Lecture 23

Question 1

What is the southernmost point of mainland Canada?

Answer 1

Point Pelee

Question 2

Name two endangered birds in Point Pelee:

Answer 2

• Prothonotary Warbler

- Yellow-breasted Chat

Question 3

Why is Point Pelee an important location re: bird migration?

Answer 3

It’s the intersection of two major flyways (Atlantic + Mississippi)

Question 4

Why is birdwatching in Point Pelee more popular in the spring?

Answer 4

Birds are in breeding plumage, and more visible since there aren’t many leaves on trees

Question 5

T/F: Point Pelee is surrounded by forest

Answer 5

False; it’s mostly surrounded by farmland

Question 6

What results in the isolation of populations in Point Pelee National Park?

Answer 6

Lack of connectivity

Question 7

Succession is occurring in some parts of Point Pelee National Park. Name a plant that is negatively impacted by this, and why

Answer 7

Prickly pear cactus - cannot grow in shade

Question 8

T/F: monarch butterflies funnel through Point Pelee while migrating

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Hillman’s Marsh

Answer 9

• Conservation area, wetland

- popular w/migrating shorebirds, waterfowl

Question 10

What is the most southern inhabited part of Canada?

Answer 10

Pelee Island

Question 11

Animals native to Pelee Island (2):

Answer 11

• Blue Racer (endangered snake)

- Fox Squirrel

Question 12

Plant native to Pelee Island - where does it usually grow?

Answer 12

Miami Mist - grows on alvars

Question 13

How do sand dunes occur in Point Pelee?

Answer 13

Water moves/deposits sand

Question 14

Point Pelee, Rondeau, and Long Point are important for ______ ____

Answer 14

migrating birds

Question 15

Birds nesting in the Carolinian (4):

Answer 15

• Prothonotary Warbler
• Hooded Warbler
• Carolina Wren
• Yellow-breasted Chat

Question 16

Name 2 endangered Carolinian species (hint: neither are birds)

Answer 16

• Blue Racer

- Northern Pines-barren Tiger Beetle

Question 17

T/F: all non-native species are invasive

Answer 17

F: the converse is true, though!

Question 18

Introduction vs Reintroduction example

Answer 18

Wild turkeys

• Extripated in the Carolinian and reintroduced there
• Introduced into the GLSL (they weren’t there before)

Question 19

Invasive species examples (4 plants + beetle):

Answer 19

• Purple loosestrife
• Oxeye Daisy
• Dog-strangling vine
• Scot’s pine
• Emerald ash borer

Question 20

How do robins benefit from forest fragmentation/urban habitats?

Answer 20

• More lawn/topsoil = more worm habitat

Question 21

T/F: all earthworms in ON are non-native

Answer 21

T: previous worms were wiped out by glaciation

Question 22

What beneficial things do urban environments provide?

Answer 22

Food/shelter

Question 23

What do rock pigeons, house sparrows, and European starlings have in common?

Answer 23

They’re common urban birds + non-native to N. America

Question 24

Why do rock pigeons, house sparrows, and European starlings thrive in urban areas?

Answer 24

• Cavity adopters - can nest on buildings or under bridges

- fewer predators

Question 25

Why are backyard gardens as important as city green spaces for animals?

Answer 25

Wildflowers provide food for insects, small mammals

Question 26

T/F: bird feeders change birds' migration habits

Answer 26

False; they mainly affect the distribution of non-migratory seed-eating birds

Question 27

Issues with bird feeders (3):

Answer 27

- Birds flying into windows - Disease (e.g. salmonellosis) - Increased exposure to predators (cats, birdhawks)

Question 28

Name a bird that benefits from bird feeders (but not from the food in them!)

Answer 28

Cooper's Hawk - preys on other birds

Question 29

How have accipiters/birdhawks changed their migration patterns due to bird feeders?

Answer 29

Spend more winters in cities

Question 30

Purple martins are a bird that are attracted to these nest sites: Name a bird that competes w/them for resources

Answer 30

Apartment-style nesting boxes House sparrow

Question 31

How do squirrels benefit from urban centers?

Answer 31

Planting of trees producing large fruits + nuts (e.g. hickory nuts, acorns)

Question 32

How do eastern cottontails benefit from urban environments?

Answer 32

- Lots of food (shrubs, gardens) - Warmer climate - Fewer predators

Question 33

These mammals find food around people's houses (2):

Answer 33

- Raccoon | - Striped Skunk