Antarctic Krill Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following insects are known to prey on aphids?

Adult ladybirds (correct)

Butterflies

Ants

Parasitic wasps (correct)

What do aphids use to penetrate the phloem vessels of plants?

Long antennae

Piercing, strawlike mouthparts (correct)

Sickle-shaped wings

Hardened mandibles

How do aphids ensure they can feed on plant fluids without damaging the host plant too quickly?

By producing proteins that fool the plant's defenses (correct)

By secreting honeydew

By rapidly moving to new plants

By injecting enzymes

What is the primary reason why aphids must expel excess fluid while feeding?

To prevent themselves from bursting Signup and view all the answers

Why do aphids rely on bacteria or yeast during feeding?

To digest plant fluids and obtain vital nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary substance that emerges from the back end of aphids during feeding?

Honeydew Signup and view all the answers

What role do ants play in relation to aphids?

They protect aphids in exchange for honeydew. Signup and view all the answers

How long can it take for an aphid to get its first sip of plant fluid?

25 minutes to 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the habitat preference of Antarctic krill?

The age of the krill Signup and view all the answers

Where do the fertilized eggs of Antarctic krill initially sink?

Into the abyss Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for Antarctic krill to reach maturity after hatching?

2 to 3 years Signup and view all the answers

What describes the groups of young krill that form in surface waters?

Swarms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary food source for Antarctic krill?

Diatoms Signup and view all the answers

Why are diatoms found in surface waters?

They require sunlight for photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do krill use to gather their food?

By using their front limbs as a straining basket Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to describe the swarms of Antarctic krill from the air?

A gigantic amoeba Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of krill's presence in the ocean?

They contribute to the biological pump, affecting carbon dioxide levels. Signup and view all the answers

Why is krill considered a keystone species in marine ecosystems?

Many marine animals depend on them as a food source. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the ecosystem if krill were to disappear?

Marine ecosystems would collapse and global warming would accelerate. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the population cycles of krill?

Abundance of pack ice in their habitat. Signup and view all the answers

How do krill's feeding habits impact the seafloor?

Their waste accumulates and contributes to nutrient-rich sediments. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental aspect seems to affect krill populations negatively?

Reduced pack ice availability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary conclusion we can draw about krill's role in climate regulation?

They are integral in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports krill being one of the most successful animals on the planet?

Their total mass in ocean is estimated to be 125–725 million tonnes. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers aggressive behavior in Japanese honeybee workers when attacking a scout giant hornet?

Infection from viruslike particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mandibles of leaf-cutter ants?

Cutting and carrying leaves Signup and view all the answers

In which regions are leaf-cutter ants predominantly found?

Central and South America, and southern United States Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of the castes in a colony of leaf-cutter ants?

Each caste has a specific job to do. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the queen in a leaf-cutter ant colony?

To reproduce and establish new colonies Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of leaf-cutter ants allows them to form complex societies?

Their division into well-defined castes Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of leaf-cutter ant's physical appearance varies among workers in the same nest?

Size and color Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the potential queens of leaf-cutter ants?

They are cared for by workers until ready to leave their nest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary habitat of the naked mole rat?

Arid areas and savannah Signup and view all the answers

How do naked mole rats primarily use their feet?

To sweep dirt as if using brooms Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the appearance of the naked mole rat?

It is bald and wrinkly Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the size of the naked mole rat’s head?

It accommodates large jaw muscles Signup and view all the answers

What range of individuals typically resides in one colony of naked mole rats?

70 to 300 Signup and view all the answers

What risk do many leaf-cutter ant colonies face shortly after establishment?

Loss to diseases Signup and view all the answers

The naked mole rat has minute eyes that give it what kind of appearance?

A squinting appearance Signup and view all the answers

What negative impact do leaf-cutter ants have on human activities?

They defoliate crops and damage roads Signup and view all the answers

What classification level comes directly after kingdom in the hierarchical system of classifying life forms?

Phylum Signup and view all the answers

The scientific name for the European honeybee consists of two words, with the first word representing the specific epithet.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the first kingdom in the traditional classification of life on earth?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Life on Earth evolved from simple life forms to increasingly complex forms approximately __________ million years ago.

700 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following kingdoms with their characteristics:

Bacteria = Most primitive kingdom Plants = Dominant terrestrial ecosystems Fungi = Decomposers in various ecosystems Animals = Multicellular organisms capable of movement Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor contributing to the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth today?

Adaptation and interactions among organisms Signup and view all the answers

The hierarchical classification system uses a three-word naming system for species.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of life forms are considered to live in 'vacant niches' on Earth?

Animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environment where Acacia ants are found?

Around acacia trees Signup and view all the answers

Acacia ants nest inside the large thorns of the acacia trees.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which scientific classification does the Acacia ant belong to?

Pseudomyrmex ferruginea Signup and view all the answers

Acacia ants have a slim-bodied appearance and measure around ______ mm in length.

3 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with the correct descriptions of Acacia ants:

Color = Orangey brown Eyes = Very large Habitat = Arboreal environment Size = 3 mm in length Signup and view all the answers

What is one way Acacia trees protect their foliage?

Evolving thorns Signup and view all the answers

Only humans have an understanding of their environment to thrive.

False Signup and view all the answers

What common childhood interest is mentioned in relation to animals?

Creepy-crawlies/insects Signup and view all the answers

The scientific classification of Acacia ants places them under the phylum ______.

Arthropoda Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for tribes living in remote areas to understand their environment?

To maintain harmony with nature Signup and view all the answers

What nutrient-rich substance do ants receive from aphids?

Honeydew Signup and view all the answers

Ladybirds are detrimental to the population of aphids.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific name of the giant Japanese hornet?

Vespa mandarinia japonica Signup and view all the answers

The giant Japanese hornet has a wingspan greater than ___ cm.

6 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following features of the giant Japanese hornet with their descriptions:

Large yellow head = Prominent eyes Banded abdomen = Distinct color pattern Forested areas = Preferred habitat Nests in tree holes = Nest construction method Signup and view all the answers

Which defensive mechanism do plants develop to deter aphids?

Small spines Signup and view all the answers

Aphids are strong fliers and do not depend on air currents for travel.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason plants may lose vital nutrients to aphids?

Aphids feed on plant fluids. Signup and view all the answers

The adult giant Japanese hornet can grow to be more than ___ cm long.

4 Signup and view all the answers

What do female parasitic wasps do to aphids?

Inject eggs into them Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the feces of certain sea turtles?

They contain more than 95 percent sponge fragments. Signup and view all the answers

The larvae of sponge flies do not feed on sponges.

False Signup and view all the answers

How old are the earliest sponge fossils?

500 million years Signup and view all the answers

Some species of freshwater sponge are preyed upon by small insects known as _______.

sponge flies Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sponge-related terms with their descriptions:

Sponges = Aquatic animals known for their porous bodies Loggerhead sponge = Contains large numbers of shrimp Sponge larva = Free-swimming stage of a sponge Silica = Material giving sponges their structural support Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary food source for Antarctic krill?

Diatoms Signup and view all the answers

Antarctic krill mainly dwell at great depths throughout their life cycle.

False Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for Antarctic krill to reach maturity after hatching?

two to three years Signup and view all the answers

The fertilized egg of an Antarctic krill is about the size of a __________.

period Signup and view all the answers

Match each stage of the Antarctic krill's life cycle with its description:

Fertilized egg = Sinks into the abyss Larva = Hatches at a depth of 2,000 to 3,000 m Young krill = Begins to form swarms in surface waters Adult krill = Grows and matures in swarms Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical density of krill in a cubic meter of water?

60,000 Signup and view all the answers

Diatoms are only found at great depths in the ocean.

False Signup and view all the answers

What do krill use their front limbs for while feeding?

to separate edible cells from water Signup and view all the answers

The young krill that migrate to surface waters form large groups known as __________.

swarms Signup and view all the answers

From the air, swarms of Antarctic krill have been compared to which of the following?

A gigantic amoeba Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes leaf-cutter ants from other ant species?

Their complex social structure Signup and view all the answers

Naked mole rats have highly developed eyesight that aids their underground lifestyle.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary habitat of Acacia ants?

Inside the large thorns of the acacia trees Signup and view all the answers

The _____ is considered a keystone species in marine ecosystems due to its significant role in the food web.

Antarctic krill Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature helps sponges to filter food from water?

Collar cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the following defensive tactics to their corresponding animals:

Bombardier Beetle = Chemical defense using spray Electric Eel = Electric shock Honey Badger = Fearless attack Mimic Octopus = Camouflage and imitation Signup and view all the answers

Sponges can be found only in marine habitats.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the majority of young Antarctic krill known to form in surface waters?

Swarms Signup and view all the answers

Leaf-cutter ants are exclusively herbivores and do not have any predatory habits.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific classification phylum of sponges?

Porifera Signup and view all the answers

The presence of shepherd fish may attract other animals on which the __________ can feed.

Portuguese man-of-war Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the colonies formed by naked mole rats?

They typically consist of a large number of individuals, often in the range of 20 to 300. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sponge characteristics with their descriptions:

Fibrous body wall = Can have various bright colors and shapes Collar cells = Drive a current of water through the sponge Aquatic habitat = Can be found in both freshwater and marine environments Gas bladder = Likeness to the sail of old ships Signup and view all the answers

Which types of websites are noted for carrying well-researched information?

.gov and .edu Signup and view all the answers

A glossary is included at the end of the book to explain specialized zoological terms.

True Signup and view all the answers

What symbol indicates the recommended resources among the listed references?

<ul> <li></li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

The Earth orbits a _______ sized star in the Milky Way galaxy.

medium Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

.gov = Government websites .edu = Educational institution websites Bibliography = List of sources for further reading Glossary = Definitions of specialized terms Signup and view all the answers

What is noted about the amount of information available on the Web today?

There are numerous pages on most animals. Signup and view all the answers

The Earth is described as a remarkable planet in a celestial context.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who provided illustrations for the book?

Mike Shanahan Signup and view all the answers

The Milky Way contains billions of _______ systems.

solar Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary challenges in conveying information in this book?

Using too much scientific jargon Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the giant Japanese hornet targets European honeybees rather than Japanese honeybees?

European honeybees are smaller in size. Signup and view all the answers

Giant Japanese hornets use sonic attacks to kill European honeybees.

False Signup and view all the answers

What method do Japanese honeybees use to defend against hornet attacks?

They form a defensive ball around the hornet. Signup and view all the answers

A single hornet can kill __________ European honeybees in one minute.

40 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following insects with their characteristics:

Giant Japanese Hornet = Largest living wasp European Honeybee = Produces more honey Japanese Honeybee = Forms defensive balls against hornets Hornet Venom = Attacks nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the European honeybees' bodies after an attack by hornets?

They are dismembered. Signup and view all the answers

The venom of the giant Japanese hornet causes serious tissue damage.

True Signup and view all the answers

How long can a group of 30 hornets take to kill a hive of approximately 30,000 bees?

A little over three hours. Signup and view all the answers

The hornets locate a hive and leave a pheromone __________ around the beehive.

marker Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pheromone marker left by the hornets?

To attract other hornets Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the gas-filled bladder in the Portuguese man-of-war?

To provide buoyancy Signup and view all the answers

The Portuguese man-of-war is a single animal.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the long tentacles of the Portuguese man-of-war used for?

Catching food Signup and view all the answers

The scientific classification of the Portuguese man-of-war belongs to the phylum __________.

Cnidaria Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of polyps with their functions in the Portuguese man-of-war:

Bladder polyp = Provides buoyancy Feeder polyp = Catches food Gastrozooid = Digests food Gonozooid = Produces larvae Signup and view all the answers

What helps the Portuguese man-of-war to escape from potential predators during danger?

It can rapidly deflate its bladder Signup and view all the answers

The Portuguese man-of-war primarily prefers cold water.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the stinging structures found on the tentacles of the Portuguese man-of-war called?

Nematocysts Signup and view all the answers

The scientific name of the Portuguese man-of-war is .

Physalia physalis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the Portuguese man-of-war?

It is a colony of specialized polyps Signup and view all the answers

How old is the Earth?

4.6 billion years old Signup and view all the answers

Life on Earth appeared 3 million years ago.

False Signup and view all the answers

What significant atmospheric change did early life forms create?

Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

The first life on Earth evolved over __________ billion years ago.

3 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events or scientific experiments with their significance:

Lightning experiments = Produced biological molecules Asteroid bombardment = Created a hostile environment for life Formation of oceans = Made Earth hospitable First life evolution = Occurred over 3 billion years ago Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the state of the Earth for most of its existence?

Lifeless and hostile Signup and view all the answers

The mix of gases used in the experiments to mimic Earth's early atmosphere was accurate.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms were the first forms of life on Earth?

Simple single-celled organisms Signup and view all the answers

What do New Zealand bat-flies primarily feed on?

Bat droppings Signup and view all the answers

New Zealand bat-flies exhibit social behavior similar to that of ants.

True Signup and view all the answers

What role do elderly male New Zealand bat-flies play in the colony?

Colony guards Signup and view all the answers

The scientific name for the New Zealand bat-fly is __________.

Mystacinobia zelandica Signup and view all the answers

Match the following roles or behaviors to their corresponding descriptions in New Zealand bat-fly colonies:

Colony guards = Protect the colony from danger Females = Groom their young and engage socially Young maggots = Stay close together after hatching Elderly males = Live beyond normal reproductive age Signup and view all the answers

What is the hierarchical classification level that comes immediately after kingdom?

Phylum Signup and view all the answers

Plants are classified as the first kingdom in the traditional classification system.

False Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many million years ago did life evolve from simple to complex forms?

700 Signup and view all the answers

The European honeybee's scientific name is __________.

Apis mellifera Signup and view all the answers

Match the following kingdoms with their characteristics:

Bacteria = Most primitive kingdom Plants = Dominant terrestrial ecosystems Fungi = Decomposers in ecosystems Animals = Complex multicellular organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly contributes to the diversity of life on Earth today?

Continual adaptation and interaction Signup and view all the answers

Life-forms in every conceivable habitat on earth are rare.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of life-form is traditionally classified as the third kingdom?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

Organisms are named using a two-word system known as __________.

binomial nomenclature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the complex web of interactions among organisms?

Adaptation and change Signup and view all the answers

What do the scale insects produce that the ants enjoy?

Honeydew Signup and view all the answers

Ants have a symbiotic relationship with scale insects because they feed on the sap of acacia trees.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of tree is associated with the ant Myrmelachista schumanni?

Duroia hirsuta Signup and view all the answers

The ants attack and kill saplings sprouting near their host tree using __________.

formic acid Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ants with their trees and relationships.

Myrmelachista schumanni = Duroia hirsuta Allomerus = Hirtella tree Signup and view all the answers

Which ant species destroys flower buds of its host tree to increase living space?

Allomerus Signup and view all the answers

All relationships between ants and trees are beneficial to the trees.

False Signup and view all the answers

How many species of ants are known to live in close partnership with plants?

At least 100 species Signup and view all the answers

The relationship between ants and two specific types of plants can sometimes involve ants __________ plant competition.

eliminating Signup and view all the answers

What do some plants provide to ants in exchange for protection?

Accommodation Signup and view all the answers

During the nuptial flight, how many different males does the female mate with?

Eight Signup and view all the answers

Once the queen ant descends underground, she continues to use her wings for various tasks.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the queen ant use to grow her fungus garden?

a small scrap of fungus Signup and view all the answers

The queen ant relies on her ______ for sustenance after descending underground.

body fat Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of worker ant with its primary role:

Gardener-nurses = Look after the fungus garden Foragers = Collect leaves for fungus Defenders = Protect the colony Nest generalists = Undertake miscellaneous tasks within the nest Signup and view all the answers

After a few years, how deep can a single ant nest descend underground?

6 m Signup and view all the answers

A single ant colony can contain up to 8 million individuals.

True Signup and view all the answers

What significant ecological impact do ant colonies have on the environment?

They can completely defoliate areas of forest. Signup and view all the answers

The queen ant stops performing menial tasks and focuses on ______ once she has worker ants.

laying eggs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the first young ants hatching from the queen?

Caring for the fungus garden Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment do most sponges inhabit?

Aquatic habitats, primarily marine Signup and view all the answers

Sponges possess organs similar to those found in higher animals.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific classification phylum of sponges?

Porifera Signup and view all the answers

The _____ of sponges drive a current of water through their body.

collar cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sponge characteristics with their descriptions:

Fibrous body wall = Can be brightly colored and varied in shape Aquatic habitat = Primarily found in marine environments Collar cells = Filter edible particles from water Water canals = Network that supports the sponge's body structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary defense mechanism used by Japanese honeybees against giant hornets?

Forming a defensive ball Signup and view all the answers

Giant Japanese hornets are capable of killing European honeybees without much resistance.

True Signup and view all the answers

How many European honeybees can a single hornet kill in one minute?

40 Signup and view all the answers

The venom of the giant Japanese hornet attacks the ______ system of its victim.

nervous Signup and view all the answers

What does the hornet do after locating a hive of European honeybees?

Leaves a pheromone marker Signup and view all the answers

Match the following insects with their characteristics:

European honeybee = Smaller than hornets, produces more honey Giant Japanese hornet = Largest living wasp, potent venom Japanese honeybee = Forms a defensive ball against predators Signup and view all the answers

Japanese honeybees attack giant hornets by surrounding them in a cooling cloud.

False Signup and view all the answers

What do the hornets do with the thoraxes of the bees after an attack?

Feed their larvae Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the stinger in cnidarians?

To inject venom into prey Signup and view all the answers

The venom of cnidarians is known to be non-toxic and has no effects on their prey.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the remarkable acceleration rate experienced by the thread when fired from the stinger?

40,000 Gs Signup and view all the answers

Cnidarians such as jellyfish and anemones primarily belong to the phylum __________.

Cnidaria Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cnidarians with their descriptions:

Portuguese man-of-war = A colonial organism that floats on water Jellyfish = A free-swimming marine organism with a gelatinous body Anemones = A sessile marine organism with a flower-like appearance Hydra = A small, freshwater organism known for its regenerative abilities Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cnidarians when they are washed up on the shore?

They lose their shape and vitality Signup and view all the answers

Every cnidarian species is capable of firing thousands of nematocysts at once.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical habitat where Portuguese man-of-war can be found?

Coastal waters Signup and view all the answers

The long, tentacles of the Portuguese man-of-war mainly function as ________ tentacles.

fishing Signup and view all the answers

How long does the fossil history of cnidarians extend back?

700 million years Signup and view all the answers

What is the average number of people killed each year due to giant hornet stings?

40 Signup and view all the answers

Giant hornets are aggressive animals that attack without provocation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What substance produced by hornet larvae is known to enhance athletic performance?

vespa amino acid mixture (VAAM) Signup and view all the answers

The temperature inside the defensive-ball strategy of the Japanese honeybee can reach up to ______°C.

47 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components with their related facts:

Giant hornets = Bring back nutritious parts to the nest Hornet larvae = Produce VAAM Japanese honeybee = Use a defensive-ball strategy VAAM = Improves athletic performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger posed by giant hornets?

Venom causing anaphylactic shock Signup and view all the answers

Hornet workers primarily forage for their food from floral sources.

False Signup and view all the answers

During an attack, what triggers the attraction of other hornets to the threat?

alarm pheromones Signup and view all the answers

The larva returns the favor to hornet workers by producing a fluid that the worker eagerly ______.

drinks Signup and view all the answers

What speed can worker hornets fly at?

40 km/h Signup and view all the answers

What might trigger aggressive behavior in Japanese honeybee workers?

Infection with viruslike particles Signup and view all the answers

Leaf-cutter ants are found exclusively in North America.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific classification family for leaf-cutter ants?

Formicidae Signup and view all the answers

The largest and most complex animal societies on Earth are formed by __________ ants.

leaf-cutter Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ants' characteristics with their descriptions:

Caste system = Division of labor among different types of workers Queen = The founder and reproductive female in a colony Mandibles = Well-developed chewing structures Habitat = Warm, humid climates with sufficient vegetation Signup and view all the answers

How do leaf-cutter ants transport food back to their nest?

By carrying it with their mandibles Signup and view all the answers

Only one type of worker exists in a leaf-cutter ant colony.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary job of the queen leaf-cutter ant?

To reproduce and establish a new colony Signup and view all the answers

The workers in leaf-cutter ant colonies are divided into several __________.

castes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the physical appearance of leaf-cutter ants?

Well-developed mandibles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Antarctic Krill

Antarctic krill are incredibly abundant and crucial to the planet's ecosystems.
Their life begins as a fertilized egg at great depths (2,000-3,000m), hatching into larvae that ascend to surface waters.
Young krill form massive swarms in surface waters, reaching maturity in 2-3 years.
Swarms can be enormous, covering areas equivalent to city blocks and reaching 5 meters thick, with densities of 60,000 krill per cubic meter.
They primarily feed on diatoms, tiny photosynthetic organisms found in surface waters and on the underside of pack ice.
Krill are inefficient eaters, leading to significant waste sinking to the seafloor, contributing to a biological pump that sequesters atmospheric carbon dioxide for approximately 1,000 years.
Their disappearance would severely impact marine ecosystems and accelerate global warming.
There are about 86 krill species, all considered keystone species in marine ecosystems.
Total biomass during peak season is estimated at 125-725 million tonnes.
Krill populations fluctuate cyclically, potentially linked to pack ice abundance. Lots of pack ice provides shelter from predators.

Aphids

Aphids use piercing mouthparts to feed on plant phloem sap.
They inject proteins to prevent plant defense mechanisms from closing the feeding holes.
Feeding can take 25 minutes to 24 hours.
They use bacteria or yeast to help digest the sap (symbiosis).
They excrete excess fluid as honeydew, a sugary substance attractive to ants.

Japanese Honeybees

Workers attacking giant hornets show signs of virus-like particles in their brains, possibly triggering aggression.

Leaf-cutter Ants

Scientific name: Atta and Acromyrmex species.
Found in Central and South America and the southern United States.
They live in large, complex colonies with various worker castes.
Colonies are founded by a single queen.
Can be agricultural pests, defoliating crops and damaging infrastructure.

Naked Mole Rats

Scientific name: Heterocephalus glaber.
Characterized by their bald, pink, wrinkly appearance.
Inhabit extensive burrow systems reaching up to 4km in length.
Colonies may hold 70-300 individuals.
Live in arid and savannah areas of Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.

Atmospheric Oxygen and the Diversity of Life

Atmospheric oxygen levels steadily increased over vast timescales, leading to an abundance of oxygen.
Around 700 million years ago, simple life forms gave rise to more complex organisms.
This led to a rapid increase in the diversity of life on Earth, with various life forms and body plans evolving.
Organisms adapted and interacted with each other, creating intricate ecological webs.
Earth's biodiversity reflects the continuous interaction between organisms and their environment, with ongoing adaptation and change.
Life forms are highly adapted to their environments, occupying almost every available niche.
This includes even extreme environments like the deep ocean and high altitudes.
Parasitism is a common lifestyle for many organisms.

Classification of Life

Traditionally, life on Earth is classified into five kingdoms based on shared characteristics.
This hierarchical system includes kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
Organisms are named using binomial nomenclature (genus and specific epithet).
Example: Apis mellifera (European honeybee).
The five kingdoms include bacteria, plants, fungi, animals, and one more.

Human Understanding of Animals

Humans have a long history of understanding animals, stemming from early dependence on nature.
Indigenous cultures demonstrate impressive knowledge of their environments and the animals within them.
Many people's interest in animals begins in childhood, often with common insects.

Acacia Ant (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea)

Slim-bodied ant, approximately 3 mm long, orange-brown in color with large eyes.
Arboreal ant; nests in the thorns of acacia trees in Central America.
Acacia trees use various defenses to protect their leaves from herbivores.

Antarctic Krill

Small shrimp-like crustaceans of immense ecological importance.
Eggs hatch at depths of 2,000-3,000 m and ascend to surface waters.
Form massive swarms in surface waters; swarms can be several city blocks large and 5 m thick.
Feed primarily on diatoms, microscopic plant-like organisms found in surface waters.

Aphids and Their Interactions

Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap.
Ants often farm aphids, protecting them in exchange for honeydew (a sugary secretion).
Aphids are prey to various animals, including ladybirds and parasitic wasps.
Plants have evolved various defenses to discourage aphid feeding.

Giant Japanese Hornet (Vespa mandarinia japonica)

Large hornet; adult size exceeds 4 cm, with a wingspan of over 6 cm.
Body is dark brown and yellow-banded; possesses large yellow head and large eyes.
Lives in forested areas of the Japanese islands and nests in tree holes.

Sponges

Earliest sponge fossils are at least 500 million years old.
Sponges were at their peak during the Cretaceous period; contain silica and noxious substances for defense.
Sponge larvae are briefly free-swimming; adults provide habitat for many other organisms.
Some sponges are eaten by sea turtles and insects (sponge flies).
Sponges have commercial value, used as bath accessories and in medicine research.

Stony Corals

Colonial animals; closely related to jellyfish.
Exhibit great diversity in species.

Strength in Numbers: Animal Collectives

Acacia Ant: Symbiotic relationship with acacia trees; ants protect trees from herbivores and competitors in exchange for food and shelter.
Antarctic Krill: Massive swarms; crucial part of the Antarctic food web, serving as a primary food source for many animals.
Aphids: Form colonies; produce honeydew, a sugary substance that attracts ants, leading to a mutualistic relationship.
Giant Japanese Hornet: One of the largest wasps; attacks European honeybee hives, killing thousands of bees; native Japanese honeybees have a unique defense mechanism involving heat and chemical production to kill hornets. Venom attacks nervous system and tissues, causing localized tissue damage.
Leaf-Cutter Ants: Complex social structure; cultivate fungus gardens using leaves; significant impact on forest ecosystems.
Naked Mole Rat: Eusocial mammals; live in large underground colonies with a queen and worker castes; highly adapted to their subterranean environment.
New Zealand Bat-Fly: Parasitizes bats; specialized morphology for clinging to their hosts; high reproductive rates.
Portuguese Man-of-War: Not a single animal but a colony of four types of polyps (bladder, feeder, gastrozooid, gonozooid); uses a gas-filled bladder for buoyancy; long tentacles with nematocysts to capture prey; found in many oceans.

The World Is a Dangerous Place: Defensive Tactics

Armored Shrew: Small mammal; strong claws and spines; defends itself aggressively against predators.
Balloon Fish: Inflates its body to deter predators; spines erected during inflation.
Bombardier Beetles: Spray boiling hot, noxious chemicals at predators.
Bushy-Tailed Wood Rat: Carries and throws stones; defends its burrows aggressively.
Electric Eel: Generates powerful electric shocks to stun prey and defend itself.
Glaucus: Blue sea slug; floats upside down; uses nematocysts from its consumed prey for defense.
Goliath Tarantula: Large spider; venomous; uses urticating hairs as a defense.
Honey Badger: Fearless predator; thick skin; tenacious and aggressive defender.
Hooded Pitohui: Poisonous bird; toxins in its feathers and skin deter predators.
Mimic Octopus: Changes color and shape to resemble various animals, thus deceiving predators.
Sea Cucumbers: Eject internal organs as a defense mechanism; organs regenerate.
Slow Loris: Slow-moving primate; venomous saliva; bites can be dangerous to humans.
Springtails: Small, wingless insects; furcula for jumping; agile escape mechanism.

The Quest for Food

Many examples of animals with diverse feeding strategies are detailed in this section including: Ant Lions, Aye-Aye, Bolas Spiders, Bulldog Bat, Candirú, Common Chameleon, Cone Shells, Cookie-Cutter Shark, Egg-Eating Snake, Fat Innkeeper, Gharial, Giant Anteater, Harpy Eagle, Kiwis, Luminous Gnat, Mantis Shrimps, Megamouth Shark, Portia Spider, Purse-Web Spider, Shrews, Spitting Spider, Triclads, and Velvet Worms

Getting from A to B: Solutions to the Problem of Movement

Many examples of animals with diverse locomotion strategies are detailed in this section, including: Bee Hummingbird, Common Swift, Emperor Penguin, European Eel, Flying Dragons, Four-Wing Flying Fish, Grant’s Golden Mole, Leatherback Turtle, Northern Bluefin Tuna, Sea Lamprey, Sloths, Stenus Rove Beetles, Stowaway False Scorpion, Tokay Gecko, and White Worm Lizard

Looking Out for the Next Generation

Many examples of animals with diverse reproductive strategies are detailed in this section, including: Bee Wolf, Blue Whale, Burying Beetles, Fig Wasps, King Cobra, Malleefowl, Marble Gall Wasp, Platypus, Red-and-Blue Poison-Arrow Frog, Sand Tiger Shark, and Ship Timber Beetle

Living at the Expense of Others: Parasitism

Many examples of animals with parasitic lifestyles are detailed in this section, including: Alcon Blue Butterfly, Ant-Decapitating Flies, Bird Fluke, Cod Worm, Cricket Fly, Giant Roundworm, Gordian Worms, Guinea Worm, Human Botfly, Leaf Wasps, Rabbit Flea, Red-Tailed Wasp, Sabre Wasp, Sacculina, Strepsipterans, and Warble Flies

The Continuation of the Species: Sex and Reproduction

Many examples of animals with diverse reproductive strategies and sexual dimorphism are detailed in this section, including: Blue-Headed Wrasse, Cockroach Wasp, Deep-Sea Angler Fish, Green Spoon Worm, Narwhal, Palolo Worms, Pocketbook Mussels, Spotted Hyena, Surinam Toad, Taita Hills Caecilian, Tarantula Hawks, and Transvestite Rove Beetle

Pushing the Boundaries: Surviving Extremes

Many examples of animals adapted to extreme environments are detailed in this section, including: Antarctic Toothfish, Beard Worms, Coconut Crab, Coelacanth, Giant Mudskipper, Giant Squid, Hagfish, Human, Lake Titicaca Frog, Lungfish, Marine Iguana, Olm, Sperm Whale, Sun Spiders, Symbion, Water Bears, Water Spider, and Zombie Worm

Portuguese Man-of-War

Shepherd fish avoid larger tentacles, feeding on smaller ones beneath the bladder.
Their presence attracts other animals, serving as prey for the man-of-war.
The name derives from the gas bladder's resemblance to old Portuguese ship sails.

Sponges (Porifera)

Scientific Classification: Phylum Porifera; Classes: Calcispongiae, Hyalospongiae, Demospongiae, Sclerospongiae.
Appearance: Fibrous body wall with varied bright colors; encrusting, upright, branching, or other shapes; elaborate water canal network.
Habitat: Primarily marine, but also found in freshwater; mostly in shallow waters, some in deep seas globally.
Body Structure: Lack organs; possess a network of cavities and canals lined with collar cells.
Feeding: Collar cells drive water currents, filtering edible particles. A 10cm sponge filters over 22 liters of water daily through potentially over 2 million chambers.

Earth and Life's Origins

Earth is 4.6 billion years old.
For most of its existence, Earth was lifeless, cooling and bombarded by asteroids.
Oceans formed, creating conditions for the evolution of life over 3 billion years ago.
The Miller-Urey experiment (1950s) suggested that early Earth's atmosphere could have produced biological molecules via lightning. This has been questioned due to inaccuracies in atmospheric gas composition used in the experiment.
Early life consisted of simple, single-celled organisms.
Over immense time, these organisms produced oxygen as a waste product, gradually increasing atmospheric oxygen levels.
Around 700 million years ago, more complex life forms emerged, leading to a dramatic increase in biodiversity.

Classification of Life

Life on Earth is traditionally classified into five kingdoms: bacteria, plants, fungi, animals, and protists. (Note: Protists are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but it is common to include them in the five-kingdom classification). This system is hierarchical (kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species).
Organisms are named using binomial nomenclature (genus and specific epithet).

Symbiotic Relationships: Ants and Plants

Many ant species have symbiotic relationships with plants.
Ants provide protection for plants against herbivores.
Plants provide housing (modified branches, stems, roots) for ants.
Some ant-plant relationships are mutually beneficial while others come at a cost for the plant. For instance, some ants destroy flower buds to create more living space.

Leaf Cutter Ants

Leaf cutter ants cultivate fungus gardens underground.
A single queen starts a colony, initially relying on body fat and wing muscles for sustenance while tending to the fungus.
The colony eventually grows to millions of individuals with different worker castes (gardeners, nurses, foragers, excavators, soldiers).
Their foraging activity can significantly alter the environment.

New Zealand Bat Flies

New Zealand bat flies live in colonies in bat roosts.
Unlike most bat flies, they feed on bat droppings (guano).
They exhibit social behavior, including maternal care and grooming.
They show signs of caste development (elderly males as guards).
Colonies can disperse by clinging to bats during flight.
The New Zealand bat fly ( Mystacinobia zelandica) is unique and was discovered in 1973. It's more closely related to blowflies than other bat flies.

Giant Japanese Hornets

Among the largest living wasps.
Attack European honeybee hives, leaving pheromone markers to attract nest mates.
One hornet can kill 40 European honeybees per minute; 30 hornets can destroy a 30,000-bee hive in ~3 hours.
Hornets dismember bees, taking thoraxes back to feed larvae and consuming honey stores.
Japanese honeybees defend against hornets by forming a defensive ball (500 bees), raising the temperature to 47°C, lethal to hornets (44-46°C) but not bees (48-50°C).
Hornets have a 6.25 mm stinger injecting potent neurotoxic venom causing tissue damage; 40 human deaths annually from stings.
While not typically aggressive, they attack when threatened, releasing alarm pheromones.
Hornet larvae produce vespa amino acid mixture (VAAM), a sustenance for adult workers, aiding in their stamina (100+ km daily flights at 40 km/h).
VAAM is commercially produced for athletic performance enhancement.
Hornet larvae are considered a delicacy in some Japanese mountain villages.
Recent studies suggest virus-like particles in Japanese honeybee brains may trigger aggressive behavior against hornets.

Leaf-cutter Ants

Scientific name: Atta and Acromyrmex species.
Found in Central and South America and southern United States; prefer warm, humid climates.
Form the largest and most complex animal societies.
Colonies have multiple worker castes, each with a specific job.
Colonies founded by a single queen.

Portuguese Man-of-War

Colonial organism, not a single animal.
Gas bladder acts as a float, enabling wind and current dispersal.
Tentacles deliver potent neurotoxic venom via nematocysts – tiny capsules that fire coiled threads at 2 m/s, accelerating at 40,000 Gs.
Venom paralyzes prey.
Shepherd fish feed on smaller tentacles, potentially attracting other prey for the man-of-war.
Name derives from resemblance of the gas bladder to Portuguese sailing ships.
Ancient group with fossil history extending back over 700 million years.

Sponges

Scientific name: Porifera.
Fibrous body wall, various bright colors; encrusting, upright, or branching forms.
Body plan based on a network of water canals.
Collar cells drive water currents, filtering edible particles.
A 10 cm sponge filters 22+ liters of water daily through 2 million+ chambers.
Found in marine and freshwater habitats globally, mostly in shallow waters, some in deep sea.
Most primitive animal group, lacking organs.

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Explore the fascinating life cycle and ecological significance of Antarctic krill. Discover their role as keystone species in marine ecosystems, their feeding habits, and the potential ecological consequences of their decline. This quiz delves into the importance of krill in the global carbon cycle and their unique characteristics.