Timing is Everything

What is the study of the timing of biological activities in plants and animals called?

• Phenology

• Biology

• Ecology

• Zoology

Why do pōhutukawa trees flower around November and December?

• To coincide with bees collecting nectar for pollination

• Because the weather is warmer

• To avoid competition with other plants

• To attract more sunlight

When do tree wētā lay their eggs?

• Autumn and winter

• Spring

• Summer

• Year-round

What environmental cues do plants and animals respond to for timing their activities?

• Length of sunlight, temperature, and moon phase

• Rainfall, wind speed, and humidity

• Soil type, altitude, and water availability

• Presence of predators, food availability, and competition

Why do New Zealand long-tailed bats hibernate over winter?

• Insects are most scarce during winter

• To avoid cold temperatures

• To conserve energy

• To avoid predators

What can cause plants and animals to change their activity cycles?

• Small changes in the climate

• Introduction of new species

• Human intervention

• Natural disasters

How does the timing of one species' activities affect others?

• It can disrupt the cycles of other plants and animals

• It has no effect on other species

• It only affects plants, not animals

• It only affects animals, not plants

• Why is phenology important?

• Why do you think the long-tailed bat hibernates during winter?

• How do environmental changes affect the timing of plant and animal behaviours?