2011 Wisconsin Envirothon Wildlife Exam

Transcription

1 2011 Wisconsin Envirothon Wildlife Exam 1. The muskrat is a keystone species in Wisconsin estuaries. What is a keystone species? 2. Wisconsin estuaries are important areas for migrating shorebirds. Why are shorebirds highly dependent on muskrat populations in freshwater estuaries? 3. What Wisconsin amphibian has the capability to repeatedly change from an aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle/lifeform (not just for breading purposes)? /17 Running Total: 17 4/14/2011 sm FINAL VERSION Page 1 of 7

2 4. Recent studies show that the state threatened Karner Blue Butterfly has increased survivorship in the presence of mound building ants. The butterfly larvae secrete a fluid that ants use as food. To capitalize on this food source, the ants build nests of dead vegetation around the larvae which provide the developing butterflies protection from predators and parasites. What is the specific term for this type of relationship? 5. These two Wisconsin butterflies belong to two separate subfamilies. Monarch Viceroy a. Given that they are not closely related, why have they evolved to look so similar? b. What is this biological phenomenon called? /13 Running Total: 30 4/14/2011 sm FINAL VERSION Page 2 of 7

3 6. A conservation group has donated a large sum of money to purchase 10,000 hectares to be set aside as nature preserve. They can either purchase one large parcel or several smaller parcels separated by development and agriculture. What are 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages for wildlife in each scenario? Large Parcel Advantages: Large Parcel Disadvantages: Small Parcels Advantages: Small Parcels Disadvantages: /12 Running Total: 42 4/14/2011 sm FINAL VERSION Page 3 of 7

4 7. This map shows the range limits of fourteen bird species in Wisconsin. Figure: Range limits of ruddy duck, sharp-shinned hawk, Copper s hawk, red-bellied woodpecker, black-backed woodpecker, red-breasted nuthatch, tufted titmouse, blue-grey gnatcatcher, loggerhead shrike, bluewinged warbler, mourning warbler, Canada warbler, western meadowlark, and purple finch adapted from Beimborn, a. A diagonal band runs across the state, within which, all of these range limits fall. What is this band called? b. Why is this band a common location for bird range limits? 8. What disease has caused the most precipitous decline of North American wildlife in recorded history? Hint: it has not yet been reported in our state but it is expected to soon infect one family of Wisconsin mammals. /11 Running Total: 53 4/14/2011 sm FINAL VERSION Page 4 of 7

5 9. What Wisconsin reptile is listed as State Endangered Species and as a Federal Candidate Species? 10. Recently, honey bees have been in the news regarding population decline and the phenomenon of colony collapse. Wildlife experts argue that by relying more on native bees, we would reduce the likelihood of pollinator colony collapse and thus prevent the population crashes of these key agricultural allies. According to wildlife experts, why are native bees less susceptible to colony collapse than honey bees? _ 11. What are two things land managers can do to preserve and promote native bee populations around agriculture in Wisconsin? /15 Running Total: 68 4/14/2011 sm FINAL VERSION Page 5 of 7

6 PRACTICUM 12. Take note of this mounted specimen. Why is this family of animals critical to our economy? 13. What is the common name of the animal in this jar? 14. Take note of the scaled reptile preserved in this jar. Is this a snake or a lizard? 15. Take note of the head in this jar. It was found in Ashland Co, Wisconsin. What is the specific common name of this animal? 16. This mounted specimen can be found living in freshwater estuaries. What is its common name? 17. Take note of the articulated skeleton. What is the common name of this animal which frequents freshwater estuaries? 18. These mounted birds are two different species. The bird on the left with whiskers is a whip-poor-will. The bird on the right is commonly misidentified as a bat due its nighttime feeding behavior. What is the common name of the bird on the right? /24 Running Total: 92 4/14/2011 sm FINAL VERSION Page 6 of 7

7 19. Name one evolutionary adaptation (anatomical or behavioral) that makes the mounted canid (dog-like) species uniquely similar to a felid (cat-like) species? 20. Listen to the following audio clip. This is a call that can be heard on warm summer nights at this location. What animal is making it? TIEBREAKER The land ethic is a principle that argues that the next step in the evolution of ethics is to expand ethics to include nonhuman members of the biotic community. This argument was championed by the father of wildlife ecology in a book that has been called the bible of the environmental movement. What is the title of that book? /8 Running Total: 100 4/14/2011 sm FINAL VERSION Page 7 of 7