Ecological Roles in Cape Cod and Alberta

The video explores restoration case studies focusing on Cape Cod salt marshes and Alberta's forests and wetlands. It discusses the ecosystems, problems like cord grass dying in Cape Cod due to fishing, and the impact of mining in Alberta. Restoration efforts include introducing mussels and European green crabs in Cape Cod and using fungi to aid tree growth in Alberta. The video highlights the importance of understanding ecosystems and the challenges of restoration.

What is the primary function of salt marshes in Cape Cod?

• To produce fresh water for the region

• To provide a habitat for polar bears

• To clean pollution from water and protect coastal areas

• To serve as a tourist attraction

Which plant is crucial for maintaining the shoreline in Cape Cod salt marshes?

• Mangrove

• Palm tree

• Cord grass

• Seaweed

What was the surprising finding about the dying marshes in Cape Cod?

• They were thriving with diverse wildlife

• They were located far from human activity

• They were near areas where people fish

• They had an abundance of cord grass

How did scientists test the impact of marsh crabs on cord grass?

• By introducing more fish into the marshes

• By removing all crabs from the ecosystem

• By using mesh cages to protect marsh crabs

• By planting more cord grass

What role do mussels play in the restoration of Cape Cod salt marshes?

• They act as predators to marsh crabs

• They provide nutrients to help cord grass grow

• They increase the salinity of the water

• They attract more fish to the area

What is the potential benefit of the European green crab in Cape Cod?

• They clean pollutants from the water

• They are a food source for local birds

• They help control the population of purple marsh crabs

• They increase the biodiversity of the area

What is a major environmental concern associated with oil sand mining in Alberta?

• It reduces the amount of available fresh water

• It leads to deforestation and toxic soil

• It increases the population of invasive species

• It causes a rise in local temperatures

How are fungi used in the restoration of Alberta's forests?

• They are used to increase soil salinity

• They are planted to replace lost trees

• They help trees absorb more nutrients

• They are used to repel insects

What is the main challenge in restoring the oil sands in Alberta?

• Lack of funding for restoration projects

• Resistance from local communities

• Difficulty in reintroducing all original organisms

• Increased rainfall in the region

What is the role of decomposers in the Alberta wetlands ecosystem?

• They produce oxygen for the ecosystem

• They provide shelter for small animals

• They break down dead matter and recycle nutrients

• They act as primary consumers