Reference no: EM133933971
Question
In an old and overgrown pasture a population of chipmunks feeds almost exclusively on grass, nuts and berries. They find shelter in their dens and among tall grass and blackberry briars. They are most active during early morning hours. They hibernate during the coldest months. Blacksnakes often prey upon the chipmunks. The cool temperatures of morning and evening are not ideal for the snakes in terms of their ability to hunt. The snakes often sun themselves among fallen trees during the early hours of the day.
Countless numbers of bacteria, fungi and protists live in the soil and help to break down feces and the dead remains of all organisms in the community. A species of fox, especially adept at catching and eating young blacksnakes also inhabits this region. They tend to dig burrows in the ground and hunt in the early hours of evening.
1. Name at least one producer in the above ecosystem _________________________.
2. What do the secondary consumers feed on? _________________________.
3. Abiotic factors in this example include _________________________ and______________________________.
4. What type of ecosystem is described in the paragraph? (marine, freshwater, etc.) _________________________
5. Name one type of carnivore in the pasture. _________________________
6. Which species is the apex predator in the pasture? _________________________
7. Name one type of herbivore in the pasture. _________________________
8. Name one species that could transfer carbon to animals in the pasture . ________________________
9. Name any consumer that could link a food chain in the pasture to a food web within the deep forest nearby. (Note, this organism is not mentioned in the paragraphs above) _________________________