Plant Power
This type of flower is famous for its ability to track the sun's movement across the sky.
What is a sunflower?
This term describes a species that has been introduced to an area where it is not native and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
What is an invasive species?
This weather phenomenon involves a ring of thunderstorms surrounding a central, low-pressure area and can cause significant damage.
What is a hurricane?
This cute small sea mammal spends most of its time in the water, and one of the staples in its diet is sea urchins.
What is the sea otter?
This striking red animal is the state bird of Virginia.
What is the northern cardinal?
This plant, often mistaken for a type of tree, is the tallest type of grass and can grow over 90 feet high.
What is bamboo?
This term describes an organism's role in its ecosystem, including its habitat and interactions with other species.
What is a niche?
This natural light display, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions, is caused by collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere with charged particles from the sun.
What is the Aurora Borealis?
This type of algae, often found in marine environments, plays a crucial role in the ocean's food web and oxygen production.
What is phytoplankton?
A popular choice for gardeners and landscapers, this is both the state flower and state tree of Virginia.
What is the American dogwood?
This type of plant reproduces by spores rather than seeds and includes ferns and mosses.
What are non-vascular plants?
A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically
What is a keystone species?
Named after the Roman god of war, this planet experiences intense volcanic activity, with its largest volcano being Olympus Mons.
What is Mars?
Known as the "wolves of the sea", this mammal is actually a member of the dolphin family.
What is the orca?
Named for its stripes and similar morphology to a certain bird, this animal is the state insect of Virginia.
What is the tiger swallowtail butterfly?
This type of root system consists of one main root growing straight down with smaller lateral roots branching off.
What is a taproot system?
This type of biome, found in regions with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, includes plants such as olives and grapes.
What is a Mediterranean biome?
These westerly winds are fast-flowing, narrow air currents in the Earth's atmosphere.
What are jet streams?
This colorful reef-dwelling fish is known for its beak-like teeth, and for being aggressive towards humans.
What is the parrotfish?
This slimy amphibian whose name comes from its bright appearance is the state salamander of Virginia
What is the red salamander?
This tissue in vascular plants is responsible for transporting water from roots to leaves.
What is xylem?
This type of ecological succession occurs on previously uninhabited land, such as after a volcanic eruption.
What is primary succession?
These dangerous flows of gas, ash, and debris from a volcanic eruption are known for their speed and heat.
What is a pyroclastic flow?
This group of marine mammals includes species such as dolphins, porpoises, and whales.
What are Cetaceans?
Categorized as an endangered species in 1979, this subspecies of the Townsend's big-eared bat is the state bat of Virginia
What is the Virginia big-eared bat?