A. Interactions of Organisms

What type of interaction exists between the American alligator and raccoon in this ecosystem?

• Mutualism

• Predation

• Commensalism

• Competition

Which of the following animals is NOT mentioned as part of the Everglades ecosystem?

• Alligator

• Panther

• Penguin

• Heron

Fill in the blank: Interactions between organisms in the Everglades are crucial for maintaining a ________ and balanced ecosystem.

• chaotic

• healthy

• declining

• isolated

What role do wading birds play in the Everglades ecosystem according to the recent study?

• Predators

• Prey

• Protectors

• Competitors

What type of interaction exists between the American Alligator and nesting birds?

• predation

• mutualism

• competition

• Commensalism

Which species has established a breeding population in South Florida and is considered invasive?

• Burmese pythons

• American alligators

• Green iguanas

• Nile crocodiles

What is the primary diet of Burmese pythons in the Everglades?

• Fish

• Mammals, birds, and reptiles

• Insects

• Plants

Where are Burmese pythons typically found?

• Deserts

• Wetlands or open bodies of water

• Mountains

• Urban areas

The graph shows the change in mammal sightings in the Everglades from 1996 to 2011. What do the red bars indicate?

• Decrease in sightings

• Increase in sightings

• No change in sightings

• Sightings of birds

Which of the following statements best support why scientists need to take measures to control the population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades?

• Burmese Pythons contaminate water supplies in the Florida Everglades.

• Burmese Pythons compete with native organisms (ex. American Alligator) for resources in the Florida Everglades disrupting the balance of the food web.

• Burmese Pythons have allowed the raccoon populations to grow at alarming rates in the Florida Everglades.

• Burmese Pythons are one of the largest snake species in the world averaging between 6-9 feet in length.