MinuteEarth Explains: Animal Winners and Losers

The video explores the concept of winners and losers in the animal kingdom, focusing on prehensile tails in monkeys, the impact of humans on apex predators, and the rise of mezzo predators. It discusses how human actions have influenced the success of certain species, such as bears and ferrets, and addresses the challenges of managing invasive species. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding species traits to manage ecosystems effectively.

Why do monkeys in Central and South America have prehensile tails?

• To attract mates

• To store food

• To assist in navigating the canopy

• To help them swim better

What is a possible reason for the lack of prehensile tails in African and Asian monkeys?

• They have more predators

• Their forests have fewer vines

• They are larger in size

• They are primarily ground-dwellers

How have humans impacted apex predators?

• By breaking up their habitats and hunting them

• By introducing new predators

• By protecting them in all regions

• By providing them with more food

What are mezzo predators?

• Predators that have replaced apex predators

• Predators that live in the ocean

• Predators that are smaller than apex predators

• Predators that only eat plants

Why are American bears thriving compared to their Asian counterparts?

• They are considered cute and less hunted

• They are more aggressive

• They have better camouflage

• They have more food sources

What led to the decline of the North American ferrets?

• Lack of water

• Increased competition from other ferrets

• Destruction of their habitat

• Extinction of their primary food source

What is an invasive species?

• A species that is native to an area

• A species that is introduced and causes harm

• A species that is beneficial to agriculture

• A species that is endangered

How do invasive species often get our attention?

• By being large in size

• By costing us money

• By being colorful

• By being friendly

What is a key strategy in managing invasive species?

• Introducing more predators

• Using more pesticides

• Understanding their biology

• Ignoring them

Why is it challenging to completely eradicate invasive species?

• They reproduce quickly

• They are protected by law

• They are beneficial to the ecosystem

• They are too small to find