Bird Adaptations
Why do many birds living in Arctic environments have thick layers of down feathers?
To trap air close to their bodies and provide insulation against cold temperatures.
What type of habitat is the Prairie Pothole Region especially famous for?
Shallow wetlands, often called prairie potholes.
What is the Arctic tundra's climate like?
Very cold, with long winters, short summers, and relatively little precipitation.
What is a biome?
A large ecological region characterized by its climate, vegetation, and the animals that live there.
What is the difference between a predator and prey?
A predator hunts and eats other organisms, while prey is the organism being eaten.
Why do desert birds, such as roadrunners, often seek shade and reduce activity during the hottest parts of the day?
To avoid overheating and reduce water loss in hot, dry environments.
What group of birds makes the Prairie Pothole Region one of the most important breeding areas in North America?
Waterfowl, especially ducks.
Why do many geese migrate to the Arctic tundra during summer?
To breed and take advantage of long daylight hours, abundant seasonal food, and suitable nesting habitat.
Which biome receives very little precipitation and is home to animals such as roadrunners and lizards?
The desert biome.
What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
Biotic factors are living components, such as plants and animals. Abiotic factors are nonliving components, such as sunlight, water, and temperature.
How does a toucan's large bill help it survive in tropical rainforests?
It helps the toucan reach and eat fruit and also release excess body heat.
What natural process created the thousands of shallow depressions that form prairie potholes?
Glaciation! Retreating glaciers left behind depressions that filled with water.
What special material do female eiders use to line their nests and keep their eggs warm?
Down feathers! Females pluck soft down from their own bodies to insulate their eggs.
Which biome is known for warm temperatures, heavy rainfall, and high biodiversity, including birds such as toucans?
The tropical rainforest.
What happens when two different species rely on the same limited food source?
Competition! The species must compete for available resources, which can affect their survival and population sizes.
How are the broad, flattened bills of dabbling ducks adapted to prairie wetland ecosystems?
They have comb-like structures called lamellae that help strain seeds, aquatic invertebrates, and other food from water and mud.
Why are both grasslands and wetlands important for breeding ducks in the Prairie Pothole Region?
Wetlands provide food and habitat for ducklings, while surrounding grasslands provide nesting cover for many duck species.
Why do Arctic geese often nest in large groups or colonies?
Nesting near other geese can help them detect predators and collectively defend against threats, although not all Arctic geese nest in colonies.
Which biome is characterized by long, cold winters, short summers, and forests dominated by coniferous trees?
The boreal forest (taiga).
What might happen to a wetland food web if aquatic insects suddenly disappeared?
Animals that depend on aquatic insects for food, such as ducklings and other birds, could struggle to survive. This could also affect other species throughout the food web.
Why do some Arctic birds, such as ptarmigan, change their feather colour between summer and winter?
Their plumage provides seasonal camouflage: brown or mottled in summer vegetation and white against winter snow.
How might a prolonged drought affect duck reproductive success in the Prairie Pothole Region?
Drought can dry up wetlands, reducing food availability and suitable breeding habitat, potentially lowering nesting activity and duckling survival.
How might earlier snowmelt caused by climate change affect Arctic-nesting geese and eiders?
Earlier snowmelt can change when nesting begins and when food becomes available. If the timing of hatching no longer matches peak food availability, young birds may have lower survival.
What is the largest biome on Earth, covering approximately 70% of the planet's surface?
The marine biome (oceans).
What is a keystone species, and why is it important to an ecosystem?
A keystone species has a disproportionately large influence on its ecosystem. Removing it can cause major changes to other species and the food web.