9 of the Most Abundant Animals on Earth

The video explores why certain animals are more abundant than others, focusing on their position in the trophic structure. It highlights various species like the red-billed quelea, bristlemouth fish, African clawed frog, house mouse, garden snail, Argentine ant, springtails, krill, and copepods. These species thrive due to their diets, adaptability, and reproductive strategies, often benefiting from human activities. The video emphasizes the importance of these abundant species in ecosystems, despite their small size compared to top predators.

What is the primary reason top predators like orcas are not as abundant as other animals?

• They reproduce more slowly.

• They have a limited diet.

• They are at the top of the trophic structure and receive less energy.

• They have fewer natural predators.

Why are red-billed queleas considered a threat to agriculture?

• They compete with livestock for food.

• They spread diseases to plants.

• They destroy crops by nesting in them.

• They eat large amounts of seeds from grain fields.

What unique feature helps bristlemouth fish survive in the deep sea?

• They can change their color to blend in.

• They have bioluminescent bodies.

• They have a thick protective shell.

• They can breathe both air and water.

How did African clawed frogs become widespread across the world?

• They were used in scientific research and released.

• They were transported by ocean currents.

• They were introduced as a food source.

• They naturally migrated to new areas.

What allows house mice to thrive in human environments?

• They are nocturnal and avoid human contact.

• They can fly short distances.

• They are immune to most diseases.

• They have a varied diet and can eat almost anything.

Why are brown garden snails considered agricultural pests?

• They damage farm equipment.

• They attract other pests.

• They consume large amounts of crops.

• They spread plant diseases.

What makes Argentine ants particularly successful in colonizing new areas?

• They have a single queen that controls the colony.

• They can survive without food for long periods.

• They are resistant to most pesticides.

• They have multiple breeding females in a colony.

What adaptation allows springtails to survive in cold environments?

• They grow a thick fur coat.

• They produce a natural antifreeze protein.

• They hibernate during winter.

• They migrate to warmer areas.

How do copepods contribute to the oceanic food chain?

• They clean the ocean floor by consuming waste.

• They are top predators in the ocean.

• They consume large fish and marine mammals.

• They eat phytoplankton and provide nutrients to other marine life.

What is a key factor in the success of copepods in the ocean?

• They are immune to predators.

• They can detect and actively hunt phytoplankton.

• They can survive in freshwater and saltwater.

• They reproduce asexually.