animal biology Flashcards
Identify and name at least five mammal species commonly found in Scotland.
red deer otter pine marten common seal red squirrel
Describe the adaptations that help them thrive in the aquatic ecosystem.
Gills
Scales
Fins and Tails
Fish have specialised organs called gills that extract oxygen from water, allowing them to breathe.
Their bodies are covered in scales, which provide protection and reduce friction in the water
Fish use their fins and tails for propulsion and manoeuvring in the water
Recognize and name at least five bird species commonly found in Scotland.
Red kite
Known for its forked tail and rusty-red plumage, the Red Kite is a majestic bird of prey found in various regions of Scotland. It primarily feeds on small mammals and carrion.
puffins
Puffins are seabirds that nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs. With their distinctive colourful beaks, they dive into the sea to catch fish, forming an essential part of Scotland’s marine ecosystem.
Golden eagle
The Golden Eagle is Scotland’s national bird. It inhabits mountainous and remote regions, soaring high in the sky. Its impressive wingspan and powerful talons make it a formidable predator.
Scottish Crossbill
The Scottish Crossbill is a unique bird species endemic to Scotland. It has a distinctive crossed bill, which it uses to extract seeds from pine cones in coniferous forests.
Red Grouse
The red grouse is a bird species native to Scotland known for its reddish-brown plumage. It plays a crucial role in the heather moorland ecosystem, helping to control plant growth through feeding and acting as a prey species for predators.
Explain the role of birds in maintaining ecological balance
These birds of prey play important ecological roles, helping to control populations of smaller animals and maintaining the balance of Scotland’s diverse ecosystems
State what a Bird of Prey is
These birds, also known as raptors, possess specialised adaptations that make them formidable hunters
I can state what the defintion of an invasive species is.
a species that is not native to Scotland
i can state at least one species that is invasive
grey squirrel,sika deer,american mink
I can explain how invasive species are introduced.
train,travel,tourism,hitchhiking and moving to new countries.
I can explain the consequences of invasive species.
Competition - invasive species are often better adapted to their new environment, growing faster and out-competing our native species for space and food/nutrients
Predation - a predatory invasive species can have a significant effect on reducing the population of a native species
Hybridization - Invasive species can interbreed with native species, diluting the native gene pools
Spreading disease - Invasive species can carry pathogens and parasites to which our native wildlife have no resistance
Certain fish possess unique adaptations that help them survive in specific environments or fulfil particular ecological roles.
Bioluminescence.
Osmoregulation.
Bioluminescence.
This is basically an organism’s ability to make light. Some deep-sea fish have the ability to produce light through bioluminescent organs, allowing them to attract prey or communicate with other individuals in the darkness
Osmoregulation.
In simple terms this means they can effectively control the water and salt levels within their body fluids. For some species of fish, they have adapted to become so good at carrying out osmoregulation, that they can survive in both Marine (salt-water) and Freshwater environments
whats a food chain
A food chain is a sequence of organisms in which each one is a source of food for the next.
