Ecological Antagonists and Partners: Trees, Beetles, and Woodpec

Why is the spruce tree featured in the video especially vulnerable to bark beetles?

Answer explanation

Drought

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How did the spruce trees defend themselves from bark beetles? Include at least two defenses?

Answer explanation

Resin is released.

The attacked tree releases a chemical SOS

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How many bark beetles can a three-toed woodpecker eat a day?

Answer explanation

2000

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Describe the connection between the bark beetle and three-toed woodpecker populations?

Answer explanation

They are food for the woodpecker and its family.

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How might resin work to protect spruce trees from bark beetles?

Answer explanation

The beetles get caught in the thick sticky liquid.

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How would you describe the strategy behind the bark beetles’ pattern of attack? Why might only a few first approach the spruce tree and then many more attack later?

Answer explanation

A few beetles start the attack.

Later more come and attack the tree.

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Why might it be evolutionarily advantageous for the dying spruce tree to alert its neighbors to the bark beetle attack?

Answer explanation

The trees could prepare their resin for defense.

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