How An Invasive Snail May Save An Endangered Bird

The video explores the concept of evolution, using the example of the snail kite, a bird of prey that has adapted to environmental changes in the Florida Everglades. The introduction of the invasive island apple snail posed a threat to the snail kite's survival, but the bird demonstrated phenotypic plasticity, allowing it to adapt without genetic changes. This adaptation highlights the ongoing process of evolution and the role of environmental pressures in shaping species.

What is the main focus of the introduction section?

• The diet of the island apple snail

• The process of evolution in real-time

• The history of evolution in whales

• The habitat of the snail kite

What makes the snail kite's feeding habits unique?

• They eat a variety of foods

• They exclusively eat snails

• They hunt in groups

• They prefer fast food

What was the initial impact of the island apple snail on the snail kite population?

• It caused the population to increase

• It improved their habitat

• It had no impact

• It led to a population decline

How did the snail kite population respond to the presence of the island apple snail?

• The kites migrated to a new area

• The kites stopped eating snails

• Juvenile survival rates increased

• The population continued to decline

What is phenotypic plasticity?

• A genetic change over generations

• An animal's ability to change during its lifetime

• A permanent change in an animal's DNA

• A process that only occurs in plants

Why might larger beaks have helped juvenile snail kites survive?

• They helped the kites build better nests

• They made it easier to handle larger snails

• They allowed the kites to fly faster

• They improved the kites' vision

What role did the island apple snail play in the snail kite's potential recovery?

• It introduced new predators

• It destroyed the kites' habitat

• It caused the kites to migrate

• It provided a new food source