Decomposition
The process of breaking down materials into smaller parts is called what?
Decomposition
True or False: coniferous trees drop their leaves every fall in preparation for winter
False
Name a color leaves can change to in the fall
Accepted answers:
red
orange
yellow
brown
What does migration mean?
Traveling from one location to another, to find safe habitats with the resources they need to survive
True or False: some animals change the color of their fur to blend in with a winter habitat
True
These things break materials down (ie bacteria, fungi, insects)
Decomposers
What are the seeds called on a pine tree?
Pinecone
Why do deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall?
In preparation for winter, leaves drop allowing nutrients to be stored in the trees for next growing season
What does Hibernation mean?
Hibernation is like a very deep sleep. During hibernation, an animal’s heart rate slows down, breathing becomes very slow, and body temperature drops.
How do some animals eat when food is hard to find in the winter?
They cache or store their food during the spring-fall months. This gives them a stockpile of food for the winter
Materials that can be broken down by living organisms are called what?
Biodegradable
What protects coniferous trees from water loss and freezing temperatures?
A waxy outer coating on the needles
True or false: changes in climate can affect early or late shedding of leaves in deciduous trees
True
Name an animal that hibernates
Accepted answers:
bear
Groundhogs
Ground squirrels
Bats
Salamanders
Hedgehogs
Frogs
Turtles
Name an animal that changes their fur color in the winter
Accepted answers:
Fox
Hare
ermine
deer
The items that don't break down, and can easily pollute the environment is called what?
Non-biodegradable
What prevents sap from freezing in the winter?
Sugars and fluid chemistry
What is the green pigment in leaves called?
Chlorophyll
Name an animal that migrates
Accepted answers:
Many birds
butterflies
whales
salmon
Name an animal that grows thicker fur in the winter
Accepted answers:
Bison
wolverines
foxes
polar bears
reindeer
mountain goats
bighorn sheep
ermines
white-tailed deer
arctic hares
Name two decomposers
Accepted answers:
Bacteria
Fungi
Mushrooms
Worms
Snails
Leeches
Insects: ie. termites
Name one reason why trees are an important economic resource
Accepted answers:
they provide lumber
they provide paper
they provide composites (particle board)
they provide fuel
they provide chemicals (like resins)
What does senescence mean?
The condition or process of deterioration with age
What challenges are there that affect migration/hibernation?
Climate change, habitat loss, and human disturbance can make this challenge even more problematic!
True or false: a snowless winter has no effect on non-migrating animals
False: Coats that are intended to blend in with snow are now exposed with the lack of snow.