CA Natural History study via CDFW

Open Ended

How can observing relationships and connections in nature help us appreciate the natural world more deeply?

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to study natural history in today's world?

• It helps us understand and protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

• It only focuses on naming plants and animals.

• It is mainly about memorizing scientific facts.

• It has no relevance to modern society.

Open Ended

Explain why California is considered a hotspot for biodiversity. Use information from the slides to support your answer.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are threats to California's biodiversity?

• Habitat loss

• Non-native and invasive species

• Climate change

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

As of June 2024, what percentage of California's lands are under long-term conservation and care?

• 10.2%

• 16.2%

• 25.2%

• 30%

Multiple Choice

Which region of California is Mono Lake located in, according to the maps provided?

• Region 1

• Region 2

• Region 3

• Region 4

Multiple Select

Which of the following are features of the Central Valley as described in the slides?

• It is the second largest valley in the world

• It contains two major rivers

• It has a mosaic of habitats

• It is entirely forested

Open Ended

Describe two ways in which the Central Valley's landscape and ecosystem have changed since 1850.

Open Ended

How has agriculture in the Central Valley both benefited and harmed biodiversity in the region?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a key characteristic of Central Valley grasslands?

• Plants are adapted to both seasonal flooding and grazing

• Grasslands are dominated by trees

• Grasslands are not affected by fire

• More than 50% of native grasslands remain today

Multiple Select

Which of the following organisms can be found in the Central Valley grasslands?

• Red-tailed hawk

• Tule elk

• Western toad

• Sandhill crane

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of seasonal wetland found in the Central Valley?

• Mudflats

• Vernal Pools

• Tule Marsh

• Flooded Grasslands

Open Ended

Compare and contrast the main differences between permanent wetlands and seasonal wetlands in the Central Valley ecosystems.

Multiple Choice

What adaptation allows fairy shrimp eggs to survive in vernal pools during periods of drought?

• Eggs can lay dormant for years

• Eggs float on water

• Eggs are eaten by birds

• Eggs hatch only in saltwater

Multiple Choice

What does the term 'riparian' mean in the context of Central Valley ecosystems?

• Riverside or streamside

• Mountainous area

• Desert region

• Grassland

Multiple Select

Which of the following animals can be found in riparian forests?

• Mule Deer

• Bobcat

• Scrub Jay

• Coyote

Open Ended

How do you think beaver behavior shapes aquatic ecosystems?

Multiple Choice

According to the diagram, which ecosystem is found at the highest elevation in the central Sierra Nevada?

• Alpine

• Yellow Pine Forest

• Foothill Woodland

• Valley Grassland

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT typically found in oak woodland communities?

• Western Redbud

• Coffeeberry

• Blue Oak

• Cactus