Reading Comprehension: Predation

What is the study of ecology primarily concerned with?

• The study of the Earth's atmosphere

• The relationships organisms have to each other and their environment

• The study of human behavior in natural settings

• The chemical processes within living organisms

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Who are scientists that study the relationships organisms have to each other and their environment called?

• Geologists

• Biologists

• Anthropologists

• Ecologists

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Which type of ecology deals with spatial distribution and patterns across large geographical areas?

• Behavioral ecology

• Deep ecology

• Population ecology

• Landscape ecology

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What does population ecology study?

• The impact of development on species

• The rise and fall in the number of a species

• Human beings' function as a part of the environment

• Mating patterns of organisms

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What is deep ecology more closely related to?

• Philosophy and political science

• Chemistry and physics

• Mathematics and statistics

• Geography and urban planning

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What are some of the different patterns that striped skunks can possess?

• A small patch of white on their heads

• Bold white stripes that merge into a cape-like pattern

• Solid black coloration

• Spotted fur

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What did Ted Stankowich and his colleagues study regarding skunks?

• The diet of skunks

• The mating habits of skunks

• The varying patterns of skunks and how humans may be influencing them

• The sleeping patterns of skunks

Why do skunks have a more consistent black body with two long white stripes in areas with strong predation risk?

• To blend in with their surroundings

• To attract mates

• To intimidate predators

• To warn potential threats

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Predation influences the fitness of both predators and prey. Individuals must both feed and avoid being eaten to survive and reproduce. In a predator-ridden environment, skunks tend to have more stripes. This adaptation increases fitness. What does fitness most likely mean?

• an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment

• an organism's condition of being physically strong and healthy

• the quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular role or task

• exhibiting vigorous good health

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What is one reason skunks are evolving to have different fur patterns?

• Climate change

• Predator avoidance

• Mating preferences

• Food availability

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