Yellowstone Food Web Quiz

What is eaten by mayflies and cutthroat trout in the Yellowstone food web?

• Bearded wheatgrass

• Pond algae

• Aspen tree

• Sagebrush

Answer explanation

Pond algae is a primary food source for mayflies, which are then eaten by cutthroat trout in the Yellowstone food web. The other options, like bearded wheatgrass and aspen trees, are not part of this aquatic food chain.

Tags

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which animals eat bearded wheatgrass and sagebrush?

• Elk, bison, snowshoe hares, and deer mice

• Gray wolves and coyotes

• Red foxes and bald eagles

• Harlequin ducks and grizzly bears

Answer explanation

Elk, bison, snowshoe hares, and deer mice are herbivores that feed on bearded wheatgrass and sagebrush, making them the correct choice. The other animals listed primarily eat different types of food.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Which animal eats aspen tree leaves?

• Elk

• Coyote

• Beaver

• Grizzly bear

Answer explanation

Elk are known to feed on aspen tree leaves, especially in spring when they are tender and nutritious. Other animals listed, like coyotes and grizzly bears, do not primarily eat leaves.

Which animals prey on the snowshoe hare?

• Coyotes, wolves, and foxes

• Bald eagles and grizzly bears

• Elk and bison

• Beavers and gray wolves

Answer explanation

Coyotes, wolves, and foxes are known predators of the snowshoe hare, utilizing their hunting skills to catch this small mammal. Other options like bald eagles and grizzly bears do not primarily prey on hares.

Tags

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Why are cutthroat trout eaten?

• Bald eagles and grizzly bears

• Coyotes and gray wolves

• Red foxes and harlequin ducks

• Deer mice and moose

Answer explanation

Cutthroat trout are preyed upon by various predators, with bald eagles and grizzly bears being notable examples. These animals rely on fish as a significant part of their diet, making this choice correct.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What animals eat beavers in the food web?

• Coyotes and gray wolves

• Red foxes and bald eagles

• Harlequin ducks and grizzly bears

• Moose and bison

Answer explanation

Coyotes and gray wolves are known predators of beavers, making them part of the food web that includes beavers as prey. Other options listed do not typically prey on beavers.

Who are the predators of harlequin ducks?

• Red foxes and bald eagles

• Coyotes and gray wolves

• Moose and bison

• Beavers and deer mice

Answer explanation

Harlequin ducks are preyed upon by red foxes and bald eagles, which are known predators in their habitats. Coyotes and gray wolves typically target larger mammals, while elk, bison, beavers, and deer mice do not prey on ducks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What animals eat deer mice?

• Coyotes, red foxes, brown bears, and bald eagles

• Moose and bison

• Harlequin ducks and brown bears

• Beavers and gray wolves

Answer explanation

Coyotes, red foxes, grizzly bears, and bald eagles are known predators of deer mice. They hunt and consume these small mammals, making this choice the correct answer.

Who are the predators of moose and bison?

• Coyotes and gray wolves

• Red foxes and bald eagles

• Harlequin ducks and grizzly bears

• Beavers and deer mice

Answer explanation

Coyotes and gray wolves are known predators of elk and bison, utilizing their pack hunting strategies to take down these large herbivores. Other options listed do not primarily prey on elk and bison.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which plant is eaten by moose, bison, snowshoe hares, and deer mice?

• Bearded wheatgrass

• Aspen tree

• Pond algae

• Sagebrush

Answer explanation

Bearded wheatgrass is a nutritious grass that is commonly consumed by elk, bison, snowshoe hares, and deer mice, making it the correct choice. The other options are less favored by these herbivores.