Clark's Nutcracker and Ecosystem Dynamics

The video explores the unique relationship between Clark's Nutcracker and the whitebark pine in alpine ecosystems. It highlights the bird's role in seed caching, which aids in tree reproduction, and discusses the interconnectedness of species within the ecosystem. The video also examines how changes in one species can impact others, emphasizing the dynamic nature of ecosystems.

What is the primary habitat of Clark's Nutcracker?

• Tropical rainforests

• Alpine ecosystems

• Deserts

• Grasslands

What type of seeds does Clark's Nutcracker primarily consume?

• Birch seeds

• Oak seeds

• Maple seeds

• Pine seeds

How do Clark's Nutcrackers help whitebark pines?

• By providing shade

• By opening their cones to access seeds

• By pollinating their flowers

• By deterring herbivores

What happens to the seeds that Clark's Nutcrackers do not retrieve?

• They are eaten by other animals

• They germinate and grow into new trees

• They decompose

• They are washed away by rain

Which other species benefit from the relationship between Clark's Nutcracker and whitebark pine?

• Desert foxes

• Polar bears

• Douglas squirrels

• Sea turtles

What can cause a decline in Clark's Nutcracker populations?

• Increased rainfall

• Mild winters

• Abundant food supply

• Harsh and cold springs

How can a decline in whitebark pine affect other species?

• It can lead to more food for all species

• It can cause a decline in species that rely on the tree

• It has no effect on other species

• It increases the number of predators

What is a characteristic of dynamic ecosystems?

• They remain unchanged over time

• They are unaffected by climate

• They can experience both positive and negative changes

• They only support one species

What might happen in an ecosystem after a particularly warm spring?

• Increase in population of certain species

• No change in species populations

• Decrease in food availability

• Complete ecosystem collapse

What should you consider when you hear a bird call in nature?

• The bird's speed

• The bird's interactions with its ecosystem

• The bird's size

• The bird's color