Ecosystem Roles and Threats

Trinity from the Minnesota Zoo introduces habitats and ecosystems, focusing on the grassland biome and the Great Plains. Key terms like biome, habitat, and ecosystem are explained. The video highlights the roles of rodents, bull snakes, burrowing owls, and black-footed ferrets in their ecosystems. It also discusses human impacts on ecosystems and conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the black-footed ferret.

What is a biome?

• A specific type of plant found in grasslands

• A community of interacting organisms and their environment

• A type of animal found in a specific region

• An area identified by its climate, animals, and plants

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the grassland biome?

• Variety of grasses and prairie flowers

• High annual rainfall

• Temperature ranging from -4 to 86 degrees

• Presence of many trees

Where can the Great Plains habitat be found?

• In the eastern United States

• In the middle of the United States

• In the western United States

• In the southern United States

What role do small rodents like mice and rats play in the ecosystem?

• They are a main food source for many animals

• They are decomposers

• They are primary producers

• They are top predators

How do bull snakes benefit farmers in the Great Plains?

• By pollinating crops

• By controlling the rodent population

• By providing milk

• By fertilizing the soil

What is a unique feature of burrowing owls?

• They migrate long distances

• They rely on abandoned prairie dog burrows for shelter

• They build nests in trees

• They are nocturnal hunters

What led to the near extinction of black-footed ferrets?

• Loss of prairie dogs, their main food source

• Overhunting by humans

• Introduction of invasive species

• Climate change

What is a major threat to ecosystems caused by human activity?

• Pollution and habitat destruction

• Natural disasters

• Competition for resources

• Predation by larger animals

How can individuals help ecosystems thrive?

• By using more plastic products

• By keeping land and waterways clean

• By cutting down more trees

• By driving more cars

What is the current status of black-footed ferrets in the wild?

• They are thriving in large numbers

• They are still endangered but recovering

• They are extinct

• They are no longer endangered