Wildfires and Ecology Quiz 2023
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Questions and Answers

Compared to 2022, by approximately what percentage did the area of forest burned by wildfires increase in Canada during the 2023 season?

  • 270%
  • 70%
  • 170% (correct)
  • 48%

    • Which of the following best describes how 'zombie' wildfires initially start?

  • They are ignited by lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
  • They ignite from surface vegetation during hot weather.
  • They smolder under the surface from previous fires in organic materials. (correct)
  • They spread rapidly through dry grass and shrubs.

    • What was the estimated duration Rakus spent directly engaging with the medicinal plant in total?

  • 7 minutes
  • 20 minutes (correct)
  • 27 minutes
  • 13 minutes

    • According to the findings, what was unique about Rakus's behavior with the plant?

    <p>The orangutan is the first recorded case of an animal using a natural medicine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A peat fire is characterized by which of the following?

    <p>Smoldering beneath the ground with extensive carbon release.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the Sumatran orangutan's critically endangered status?

    <p>Their slow reproductive rate and continuous hunting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism through which a 'zombie' fire can reignite after a period of dormancy?

    <p>When vegetation starts to grow again.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the information, what is a key distinction between forest fires and peat fires?

    <p>Forest fires primarily burn surface vegetation, while peat fires burn underground.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long was the orangutan initially observed applying the plant juice to the wound?

    <p>7 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the time frame from treatment to the wound being completely healed?

    <p>5 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of a tornado's formation?

    <p>The collision of cold, dry polar air with warm, moist tropical air, leading to severe rotating storms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the immediate effect of a low-pressure area within a tornado's funnel?

    <p>It sucks in more air and objects from the surroundings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the 'Tornado Alley' region in the US particularly vulnerable to tornadoes?

    <p>The interaction of dry air from the Rocky Mountains, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold Arctic air creates strong rotating storms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key distinction between a normal thunderstorm and a supercell in the context of tornado formation?

    <p>Supercells are a type of thunderstorm that rotates and can potentially form tornadoes, and generally last much longer than regular thunderstorms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the provided content, how can we describe the overall tornado activity in May 2024?

    <p>It was above the average number of tornadoes but less than the record set in 2011.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary behavior observed by researchers after Rakus sustained an injury?

    <p>Rakus applied chewed plant matter to his wound.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The use of liana by Rakus provides evidence of which behavior?

    <p>A learned behavior of self-medication using available natural resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor was NOT directly identified as a key component in the observation of Rakus's behavior?

    <p>The previous health history of Rakus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the provided information, during which time frame is tornado activity typically at its highest?

    <p>March to July</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most accurate inference based on the text about the plant used by Rakus?

    <p>The plant’s healing properties are known to local populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these states was not explicitly mentioned as having experienced at least 13 tornadoes between April 25-28, 2024?

    <p>South Dakota</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best description of the liana plant’s role in the observed event?

    <p>It was used as a tool for self-treatment of an injury.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approximately how many tornadoes, in total, were reported in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas between April 25-28, 2024?

    <p>114</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the EF-scale category and approximate wind speed range of the tornado that struck Marietta, Oklahoma?

    <p>EF-4, with winds between 166 mph and 200 mph</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If more than 300 structures were damaged in Minden, what percentage of the town's population of approximately 600 was directly affected by the tornado?

    <p>50%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary factor contributing to the persistence of zombie fires during winter months?

    <p>Exceptionally dry fuels in deep duff layers and large logs, allowing fires to smolder underground</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it particularly difficult for firefighters to detect and extinguish zombie fires?

    <p>They largely occur in remote areas, are flameless, and are concealed by frozen, snow-covered ground.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the amount of snowfall in recent years relate to the increased occurrence of zombie fires in Canada?

    <p>The lack of snowfall for three years has meant that there has not been enough moisture to extinguish smoldering fires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Besides Canada, which other regions around the world are prone to similar types of zombie fires?

    <p>Areas with boreal forests such as Alaska, Northern Europe, and Siberia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been a key statistic regarding the recent surge in zombie fires in Canada?

    <p>93 fires raging in British Columbia and over 55 in Alberta are currently active.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    2024 US Tornado Season

    • Tornado activity is robust in May, with most occurring in Tornado Alley
    • Tornado Alley includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio
    • Over 300 tornadoes were reported within just three days in April 2024
    • The worst tornado outbreak in 2024 occurred in Oklahoma on April 27th, damaging several buildings and downing trees and utility poles.
    • The town of Marietta, Oklahoma, with about 2,900 residents, was hit by an EF-4 twister with winds between 166 and 200 mph
    • The tornado in Minden, Iowa, destroyed 48 homes and damaged more than 300 structures on April 26, 2024.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on wildfires, their impact on ecosystems, and the unique behaviors of species such as the Sumatran orangutan. This quiz covers recent statistics and specific plant interactions in the context of fire dynamics. Challenge yourself with questions on fire behavior, conservation status, and ecological relationships.

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