Endangered Species
What does it mean if a species is endangered?
It means the species may soon become extinct.
Why do frogs produce many offspring?
Because they have short life cycles and are more likely to reproduce successfully.
What do zoologists study?
Animals, either in their natural habitats or in zoos.
How does drone technology help zoologists?
It helps count and monitor animals from above.
What do red pandas mainly eat?
Bamboo leaves.
Why is it difficult to count Arabian oryx in areas covered with large bushes?
Because the animals can hide and are hard to see in the bushes.
How long is the gestation period of the Sumatran rhinoceros?
About 16 months.
Why do zoologists need to know about an animal’s habitat?
So they can recreate similar conditions in zoos.
How do thermal cameras help identify animals?
They detect warm animals by showing heat images.
At what temperature range do red pandas usually live?
10–25°C
Why did the Arabian oryx almost become extinct?
Because of hunting.
What is meant by "gestation period"?
The time an animal is pregnant before giving birth.
Suggest an advantage of transporting sperm cells to a zoo rather than a whole animal.
It is easier, safer, and less expensive than moving a live animal.
What human technology has been adapted to help endangered species reproduce?
Fertility treatments such as placing sperm cells directly into eggs.
What special feature helps pandas survive periods of snow?
Their thick fur
How do conservationists ensure Arabian oryx continue to survive after being released back into the wild?
By monitoring them, using local conservation
Why is it difficult for animals with long life cycles to survive extinction?
They take a long time to mature and only produce small numbers of offspring.
How can zoo enclosures be designed to match natural habitats? (Example: tiger enclosure)
By copying natural conditions like climate, plants, and space from the wild habitat.
Explain how sperm cells from a male animal can be used in another zoo.
They can be transported and used to fertilize a female in a different zoo.
How long does it take for a Sumatran rhinoceros to become sexually mature?
7 years
About how many species of organisms are endangered today?
Around 27,000 species.
What problem did zoos face in the 1980s and 1990s when trying to breed Sumatran rhinoceroses?
They didn’t know enough about their reproduction, so many died and very few calves were born.
What qualifications do zoologists need to have?
A university degree and the ability to apply knowledge to new situations.
How could zoos use human medical knowledge to check the health of an unborn baby animal?
By using scans like ultrasounds, similar to those used for humans.
How many Panamanian golden frogs have been produced by the breeding programme?
About 2000