Guía 9: Animals and the Rain Forest ~ Comprensión lectora

El mayor depredador en el bosque tropical de América Central es _____.

Answer explanation

The jaguar is the largest predator in the Central American tropical rain forest, known for its strength and ability to hunt a variety of prey, making it a top predator in its ecosystem.

What role do bees play in the tropical rain forest?

• Seed dispersal

• Pollination

• Predation

• Habitat creation

Answer explanation

Bees are crucial for pollination in tropical rain forests, helping to fertilize plants by transferring pollen. This process is essential for the reproduction of many flowering plants, contributing to the biodiversity of these ecosystems.

¿Qué planta imita el olor de carne en descomposición para atraer polinizadores?

• Dieffenbachia

• Hibisco

• Aristolochia

• Orquídea

Answer explanation

The Aristolochia plant, also known as the Dutchman's pipe, emits a smell similar to rotting meat to attract specific pollinators like flies. This unique adaptation helps it in reproduction, distinguishing it from the other options.

¿Qué tipo de flores producen las plantas que dependen de los pájaros para la polinización?

• Pequeñas y blancas

• Pálidas y sin olor

• Brillantes en naranja, rojo o amarillo

• Con olor y coloridas

Answer explanation

Plants that rely on birds for pollination typically produce bright orange, red, or yellow flowers. These colors attract birds, which are drawn to vibrant hues, enhancing the chances of successful pollination.

Los monos y perezosos se mencionan como ejemplos de animales dispersores de semillas en la selva tropical.

• Falso

• Verdadero

Answer explanation

Bats are known for their role in seed dispersal as they consume fruits and spread seeds through their droppings. Tigers, while primarily predators, can also contribute to seed dispersal indirectly by affecting prey populations and ecosystem dynamics.

What characteristic do flowers that attract bats typically have?

• Large petals

• Pale colors and night blooming

• Strong scents

• Bright colors

Answer explanation

Flowers that attract bats typically have pale colors and bloom at night, making them more visible in low light and appealing to nocturnal pollinators. This characteristic helps bats locate them more easily compared to brightly colored flowers.

Which of the following is NOT a pollinator mentioned in the text?

• Beetles

• Hummingbirds

• Butterflies

• Bats

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Butterflies' as they are not mentioned as pollinators in the text, while beetles, hummingbirds, and bats are all listed as pollinators.

¿Qué adaptación tienen las flores polinizadas por moscas?

• Olores fuertes

• Tamaño grande

• Olor a carne en descomposición

• Colores brillantes

Answer explanation

Flowers pollinated by flies often emit a rotting meat smell to attract these insects, which are drawn to decaying organic matter. This adaptation helps ensure successful pollination.

¿Cómo contribuyen los primates al ecosistema de la selva tropical?

• Creando nidos

• Llevando semillas en su pelaje

• Polinizando flores

• Cazando otros animales

Answer explanation

Primates contribute to rainforest ecosystems by carrying seeds on their fur, which helps in seed dispersal. This process promotes plant diversity and growth, essential for maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

What is a common feature of flowers that attract hummingbirds?

• Small size

• Pale colors

• Bright colors and sturdy structure

• Strong scents

Answer explanation

Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with bright colors and sturdy structures, as these features signal a rich source of nectar. Bright colors, especially red, are particularly appealing to them, while strong scents are less important.