Question

homework
due: tuesday, sept 9
directions: read the following passage about a savanna ecosystem, then answer questions #1 - 5.
the african savanna teems with life, showcasing an intricate tapestry of diverse species. towering acacia trees stretch their branches towards the sky, while expansive grasslands sway in the warm breeze. giraffes use their elongated necks to reach high into the acacia canopies, plucking leaves with their dexterous tongues. nearby, herds of gazelles swiftly navigate through the golden grasses, their eyes alert for danger. spotted hyenas roam the landscape, their powerful jaws capable of crushing bones, while cheetahs rely on bursts of incredible speed to catch their meals. amidst this bustling environment, lions command attention with their impressive manes and thunderous roars. their presence sends ripples through the savanna, influencing the behavior and movements of countless other creatures. from the smallest insects to the largest mammals, each organism plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of this vibrant ecosystem, where energy flows from the scorching sun through an intricate web of life.

1. using the text above, provide 2 examples of carnivores. justify your choice.
2. *using the text above, provide 2 examples of herbivores. justify your choice.
3. **using the text above, provide 1 example of a primary producer. justify your choice.
4. **using the text above, provide 1 example of an apex predator. justify your choice.
5. construct a food web with at least 6 (4, *5) organisms from the paragraph above

Explanation:

1. Carnivores: Spotted hyenas are carnivores as they have powerful jaws for crushing bones and cheetahs rely on speed to catch meals, both indicating meat - eating behavior.
2. Herbivores: Giraffes use their necks to reach acacia leaves and gazelles navigate through grasses, showing they eat plants.
3. Primary Producer: Acacia trees are primary producers as they use sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis, starting the energy flow in the ecosystem.
4. Apex Predator: Lions are apex predators as their presence influences other creatures and they have no natural predators in this ecosystem.
5. Food Web: Sun -> Grass -> Gazelle -> Cheetah; Sun -> Acacia tree -> Giraffe -> Lion; Grass -> Insect -> Spotted hyena.

Answer:

1. Spotted hyenas, because they have powerful jaws capable of crushing bones. Cheetahs, because they rely on bursts of speed to catch their meals.
2. Giraffes, because they use their elongated necks to reach and pluck leaves from acacia trees. Gazelles, because they navigate through the grasses which are plants.
3. Acacia trees, because they use sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis, starting the energy flow in the ecosystem.
4. Lions, because their presence sends ripples through the savanna and influences the behavior and movements of countless other creatures, indicating they are at the top of the food - chain.
5. Sun -> Grass -> Gazelle -> Cheetah; Sun -> Acacia tree -> Giraffe -> Lion; Grass -> Insect -> Spotted hyena