Water Birds Mating In The Desert: When do Banded Stilts return to the coast

The banded stilts return home, leaving behind eggshells. Despite 20% of eggs not hatching, most hatchlings survive due to a lack of predators. As the birds leave, water levels drop and salinity rises, impacting brine shrimp. These shrimp adapt by producing eggs with hard casings to endure dormancy. The area becomes barren, awaiting future rains. Cyclone Bobby and subsequent rains lead to a successful breeding season for the stilts, showcasing their adaptation to the unpredictable Australian Outback.

What percentage of the banded stilts' eggs did not hatch?

• 10%

• 20%

• 30%

• 40%

What happens to the water levels and salinity after the birds leave?

• Water levels recede and salinity increases

• Water levels remain the same and salinity decreases

• Water levels rise and salinity decreases

• Water levels rise and salinity increases

How do brine shrimp eggs survive long periods of dormancy?

• They are protected by predators

• They have a hard outer casing

• They are kept in water

• They are buried deep in the sand

What natural event contributed to the banded stilts' successful breeding season?

• A drought

• A volcanic eruption

• Cyclone Bobby

• A heatwave

How have the banded stilts adapted to the Australian Outback?

• By changing their diet

• By migrating to other continents

• By adapting to unpredictable weather

• By building nests in trees