Which of the following would you least likely find living in the chaparral biome?
Explain how animals that need water daily can acquire it in the chaparral biome if a source of open groundwater is unavailable.
They can get water from moisture in their food, such as plants or prey, and some animals also obtain a small amount of water through metabolism.
Explain how horned toads squirting blood from their eyes is a particularly good defense against coyotes.
The blood can startle a coyote and has an unpleasant taste, discouraging it from continuing the attack or trying to eat the horned toad. This makes the defense especially useful against a predator that might otherwise swallow it.
Marmots are a type of _______.
Chaparral biomes are generally _______.
Explain how the increased flammability of chaparral shrubs is a beneficial adaptation.
The shrubs’ flammability helps periodic fires clear old growth and reduce competition. Many chaparral plants can then resprout or germinate from seeds after a fire, so fire helps renew the plant community.
Explain whether or not you expect the chaparral biome to be sensitive to the loss of a single species.
The chaparral would be affected by the loss of a species because organisms depend on one another for food and other ecosystem functions. However, the impact would depend on the species: the loss of a keystone species could have widespread effects, while other species might be able to fill the role of a less essential one.
The heaviest and fastest of all the small wildcats is the _______.
The chaparral biome is best characterized by _______.
How is a varied diet an advantageous adaptation for animals dwelling in the chaparral biome?
A varied diet lets animals use whatever food is available as seasons and drought change the chaparral. If one food source becomes scarce, they can switch to another and are more likely to meet their needs.
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