Summary - HMH Where are the Black Bears?

This unit explores the population of black bears in Texas. In which region do the bears live?

• Mountains and Basins

• Central Plains

• Coastal Plains

• Great Plains

In 1987, a female black bear crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas. What reasons might have caused her to do this? Choose TWO.

• Lack of habitat

• Searching for more food

• Returning to her home

• She was bored

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The "Deep in the Heart" video states that the bears eat acorns, but they are hard to find on the forest floor. Why do you think this might be true?

• They are competing with other consumers who eat acorns

• Acorns do not fall to the forest floor

• There are no acorns because there are no oak trees

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What is the relationship between the black bears and the bird in the photo?

• Competition for food

• Symbiosis

• Commensalism

• They do not have a relationship

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Why did bears disappear from Big Bend National Park in the early 1900s?

• They were hunted

• There was no food

• It was too hot

• Other bears moved in

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The montane ecosystem in Big Bend National Park is a good habitat for the black bear. Why? (Choose TWO)

• It is hotter than the surrounding area

• It is cooler

• The trees provide food

• There are fewer predators

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While black bears are omnivores, most of their diet is made up of plant material, including mast. Mast is fruits, seeds, & nuts produced by trees & shrubs that are eaten by animals. Which statement is true about omnivores?

• Omnivores eat only plants

• Omnivores are autotrophs

• Omnivores eat both plants and animals

• Omnivores are vegetarian

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With which organism would black bears have a parasitic relationship?

• Fleas

• Bluejays

• Salmon

• Blueberries

Look at the chart. Which type of chart or graph would be the best way to display the data?

• Pie Chart

• Bar Chart

• Line Chart

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Almost all of the black bears left Big Bend from 1999 - 2001, most likely because of a lack of food. What could have contributed to this? Choose the best TWO answers.

• For the previous 2 years, oakleaf caterpillars ate many of the leaves off the oak trees.

• A drought caused a decline in juniper berries.

• There were too many visitors to the park.

• A flood increased the population of fish in the Rio Grande.

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