Bird Competition and Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Natural Selection and

Competition

In birds

Background

You have been transported to a far-away pasture that supports three specific species of animals.

The first is a species of worm, Constructivis paperus, that is made up of a variety of different colors.

These little worms are the favorite cuisine of two hungry bird species,


Beakilli tweezerium and Beakilli forcepious

These two types of birds are classified into the same genus-group because of
many similarities but are in two separate species groups due to some distinct
differences in their beak structures and feeding behaviors. These two species
of birds are in a constant state of competition for the worms as their source of
food. Which bird species will be best adapted to feed in this environment
according to natural selection?

Feeding Behaviors

Adaptation

Beakilli tweezerium

Beakilli forcepious

Beak Structure

Tweezers

Forceps

Posture

Stooped down near the ground; never stands
upright

Standing with knees straight and locked; only
bends at waists

Feeding Procedure

Pick up one worm, stomp foot on floor 3 times

Pick up one worm, stand up straight, flap
wings 3 times

Feeding Call

Crow Crow Crow

Squak Squak Squak

Worm Storage

Transfer worm to opposite hand for storage
and say GULP!

Transfer worm to opposite hand for storage
and say GULP!

Environment

Low ground pasture, bright light

Low ground pasture, bright light

Hypothesis

Based on your observations of the adaptations of both birds outlined in
the chart above, which species do you think will be best adapted to
feeding on the largest number of worms? (Circle your choice)

Beakilli tweezerium Beakilli forcepious

Explanation: Explain your reasoning for your choice

Procedure

Divide the class into two groups. One group will represent the Beakilli
forcepious birds and the other Beakilli tweezerium birds. Both sets of birds
should move into the “pasture” your teacher has created and feed on the
worms, being sure to follow the exact feeding procedures outlined in the
adaptations chart. After 2 minutes of competing for worms, gather the worms together and count how many were eaten.

Data Table

BIRD SPECIES

GREEN
Worms

RED Worms

WHITE
Worms

BROWN
Worms

ORANGE
Worms

YELLOW
Worms

BLUE
Worms

TOTAL
Worms

Beakilli
tweezerium

Beakilli
forcepious

Analysis Questions

1.

Which bird population was the most successful? Why do you
think this happened?

Based on the data the ______________________
was the most successful because it captured the most
worms.

Their adaptations allowed them to capture more worms.

Which bird population was the least successful? Why do you think
this happened?

Based on the data the ______________________
was the least successful.

Due to their adaptations, they were not able to
capture as many worms.

What will the less successful bird species be forced to do in
the future if it wishes to survive?

The less successful species will have to adapt to survive. If it does not develop behavioral or physical adaptations that allow them to get enough food, their species will die out.

Were any of the Constructivis paperus worm colors better adapted to
this environment than the others? Why do you think this happened?

Based on the data the _________________ worms were the least captured.

Their coloring may have allowed them to hide better than other colors of worms.

Describe two changes in this environment that would make the
opposite bird species more successful.

Abiotic Factors (Non-Living)

● Change in Water color
(Orange tint)

● Change of Environment
(Pond Size)

Biotic Factors (Living)

● Natural Adaptations
(Fin shape/ Coloration)

● Introduction of new predator

Turn in worksheet to back bin

Please make sure your name is on it. We will come back and finish this activity together.

Experiment #1

Abiotic Change: Place worms on tables to simulate hills instead of flat, low ground
Biotic Change: None; original colorful worms; original bird adaptations

B. Hypothesis of Effect

C. Data Collected:

D. Conclusion:

Multiple Choice

If the worms were placed on the tables to simulate hills and the original behaviors were the same, which bird species would have the advantage?

• Beakilli forcepius

  Only bend at knees

  wave arms

  squak, squak, squak

  Gulp

• Beakilli tweezerium

  Only squat on floor

  stomp feet

  crow, crow, crow

  Gulp

Multiple Choice

Why do you think the bird you chose would have an advantage?

• The beak of the forcepius will help it grab more worms

• the beak of the tweezerium will help it grab more worms

• the forcepius are better able to see the worms on the table

• the tweezerium are better able to see the worms on the table

Experiment #2

Abiotic Change: Place worms on tables to simulate hills
Biotic Change: Beakilli forcepius now squat (short) and Beakilli tweezerium birds now stand (tall); original color worms

B. Hypothesis of Effect:

C. Data Collected:

D. Conclusion

B. Hypothesis of Effect:

C. Data Collected:

D. Conclusion:

Multiple Choice

If the worms were placed on the tables like the last experiment but the behaviors of the birds switched, which bird would have the advantage?

• Beakilli Forcepius

  (After switch)

  squatting low

  All other behaviors same

• Beakilli Tweezerium

  (After switch)

  Standing Tall

  All other behaviors the same

• It would not change anything

Multiple Choice

After the change, what would happen to the population of birds who are not able to get worms as easily?

• Their population would increase

• Their population would decrease

• Their population would stay the same

Experiment #3

Abiotic Change: Place worms on tables and turn out lights to simulate night feeding
Biotic Change: Black worms; Beakilli forcepious birds now squat (short) and Beakilli tweezerium birds now stand (tall)

B. Hypothesis of Effect:

C. Data Collected:

D. Conclusion:

Multiple Choice

In this last simulation, the behaviors of the 2 species are still switched but it is now at night and there is a new species of worm that is black. How do you think it will impact the simulation?

• The Beakilli forcepius will be able to catch more worms at night

• The Beakilli tweezerium will be able to catch more worms at night

• More of the black worms will be eaten because they are easier to see

• Less of the black worms will be eaten because they are harder to see

Multiple Choice

A Non-living part of the environment that may impact or shape the environment and species is a(n)

• Abiotic factor

• Biotic Factor

Multiple Choice

Living things in an ecosystem that may have an impact on that ecosystem are

• Abiotic Factors

• Biotic Factors

Categorize

Options (8)

Temperature

Water pH

Light

Air

Animal Mutation

New Predator

New Prey Species

Fungi / Protists

Organize these options into the right categories

Abiotic Factors

Biotic Factors

Multiple Choice

Which type of beak do birds like hummingbirds have that allow them to get into small flowers for nectar?

• Curved

• Tubular

• Grooved

• Generalist

Multiple Choice

Which type of beak is good for grabbing fruit and is often found on parrots?

• Curved beak

• Tubular beak

• Grooved beak

• Generalist beak

Multiple Choice

Which type of beak found on ducks and flamingos is good for filtering water while eating?

• Curved beak

• Tubular beak

• Grooved beak

• Generalist beak

Multiple Choice

Which type of beak found on crows and ravens allows the to eat a wide variety of foods?

• Curved beak

• Tubular beak

• Grooved beak

• Generalist beak

Multiple Choice

What would most likely happen if a bird with a grooved beak migrated to a rain forest where the main source of food was fruit?

• The bird would be less likely to obtain food

• The bird would be more likely to obtain food

• It would make no impact on the bird's ability to get food

Multiple Choice

What would most likely happen if a bird with a generalist beak moved to a swampy area by a pond?

• The bird would be less likely to be able to obtain food.

• The bird would be more likely to be able to obtain food

• It would have not impact on the birds ability to get food.