| Study Questions Texas Animal Diversity |
| 1. Compare the desert biome to the grassland biome. In what way(s) are they different? In what way(s) are they similar? |
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| 2. Read the descriptions of each biome. Which biomes are most likely found within the state of Texas? Describe the climate and precipitation pattern for each biome you selected. |
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| 3. Identify the three biomes found across Texas. |
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| 4. Study the descriptions of each biome found within Texas including physical factors (if provided) along with the animals and vegetation. Can you infer a precipitation trend across Texas that explains why the animals found in eastern Texas are so different from those found in western Texas? Explain. |
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| 5. How is the deer partially responsible for keeping the grasslands (Great Plains) relatively free of trees? |
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| 6. What form of natural protection do red and grey squirrels have in the deciduous forest? |
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| 7. How is an animal at the top of the food chain most likely classified? |
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| 8. The video introduces several classifications including consumer, producer, herbivore, etc. Which classification never applies to any animal? |
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| 9. Write a four sentence summary of two land based animals. Devote one sentence to each of the following: a description of the animal, whether it is a primary or secondary consumer, its habitat and the region in which the animal lives (the western desert biome, the central Great Plains biome or the eastern temperate forest biome). |
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| 10. Find two animals that are primary consumers (herbivores). Select at least one animal that is a large animal, that is, larger than you are! |
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| 11. Click on the link to classification. This link takes you to all species with the word “Texas” in their taxon name or classification. How many species are identified by this database as having Texas in their name? Click on a few to explore the database further and the information cataloged for each species. |
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| 12. Click on “pictures – wild animal” to link to photographs contained within the database that meet our “Texas” criteria. Study the photographs to search for animals that highlight an animal’s ability to use camouflage. Camouflage is the ability of an animal to blend in with its surroundings, thus protecting it from its natural predators. Locate two photographs that illustrate camouflage, name the animal, and describe the camouflage illustrated in the photograph. |
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| 13. Cite an example of an herbivore that is pictured during the game. |
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| 14. Cite an example of a carnivore that is pictured during the game. |
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| 15. Why do you suppose the zoo is particularly interested in the study of this species? |
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| 16. From the description, within what biome(s) does the ocelot live? |
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| 17. What type of animal is placed in the ocelot trap in order to trap the ocelot? |
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| 18. Would an ocelot make a good house pet? |
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| 19. Are the sandbars along rivers only important to the Least Tern? Explain. |
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| 20. What actions, if taken would help to preserve the Least Tern’s habitat? |
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