The Relationship between Migratory Birds and Abiotic Factors
Birds in an urban lake were studying during the winter to examine species diversity and bird density. Bird density refers to the number of birds in an
area. Abiotic factors examined were water temperature, nitrates, phosphates, and dissolved oxygen. Waterbirds are herbivores (largely feed on vegetation matter).
GPP stand for "gross primary productivity" and is a measure of the amount of plants and algae present in the ecosystem.
"Waterbirds are herbivores (and largely feed on vegetation matter)."
What is a waterbird most likely to eat?
ANSWER IN 2-3 FULL SENTENCES
Why was bird density low during fall and spring months? (Hint: See the title of these research. Also, consider which other variable was low in the fall?)
Scientists also measured water temperature and oxygen in the lake and water temperature.
ANSWER IN 2-3 FULL SENTENCES MAKE SURE TO EXPLAIN YOUR REASONING
Summarize the relationship between water temperature and dissolved oxygen.
Word bank:
direct relationship
Inverse relationship
decrease
increase
ANSWER IN 2-3 FULL SENTENCES MAKE SURE TO EXPLAIN YOUR REASONING.
Why would the amount of dissolved oxygen be low in winter months? Consider the plants that live in the lake.
ANSWER IN 2-3 FULL SENTENCES MAKE SURE TO EXPLAIN YOUR REASONING.
Both of these graphs are related to a study on bird density. What question were scientists trying to answer?
What factor is displayed on the x axis
What is the independent variables shown by the lines on the graph?
What are the dependent variables shown by the lines on the graph?
Which variable changes the least during the winter period?
In what month was bird density the highest?