Dung Beetles and Their Role in Ecosystems

What is the primary reason elephants are important to dung beetles in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve?

• They help beetles find mates.

• They protect beetles from predators.

• They produce a large amount of dung.

• They provide shade for beetles.

What is Dr. Gimo Daniel's main objective in his research on dung beetles?

• To find new uses for dung beetles in agriculture.

• To increase the population of dung beetles.

• To discover how many species of dung beetles are in the park.

• To train dung beetles to clean up other types of waste.

Which of the following is NOT a group of dung beetles?

• Rollers

• Dwellers

• Tunnelers

• Climbers

How do some dung beetles conserve energy during the competition for dung?

• By forming alliances with other beetles.

• By only collecting dung at night.

• By waiting for others to make dung balls and then stealing them.

• By using dung from smaller animals.

What unique method do male dung beetles use to transport dung balls?

• They carry them in their mouths.

• They roll them with their noses.

• They push them with their front legs while walking forward.

• They push them backwards using their back legs.

What is the primary purpose of the dung ball for a female dung beetle?

• To attract more mates.

• To store food for the winter.

• To use as a shelter.

• To lay eggs inside it.

How do dung beetles contribute to soil health?

• By increasing soil acidity.

• By preventing soil erosion.

• By injecting nutrients and aerating the soil.

• By eating harmful insects.

Why are some specialized dung beetle species considered vulnerable?

• They rely on a single type of dung.

• They are hunted by many predators.

• They have a very short lifespan.

• They cannot survive in cold climates.

What is the role of dung beetles in the ecosystem's nutrient cycle?

• They decompose dead animals.

• They pollinate plants.

• They recycle nutrients back into the soil.

• They produce oxygen.

What challenge does Dr. Gimo face in his research on dung beetles?

• Training beetles to respond to different baits.

• Protecting beetles from predators.

• Identifying species that do not respond to pig dung.

• Finding enough dung beetles to study.