- 1. This exam focuses on the Andean flamingo, also known as Phoenicoparrus andinus, and its habitat at Laguna Hedionda. These magnificent birds are a unique sight in the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes. What is the primary habitat of the Andean flamingo?
A) High-altitude Andean wetlands
B) Temperate grasslands
C) Tropical rainforests
D) Coastal mangrove swamps
- 2. Laguna Hedionda is a significant location for Phoenicoparrus andinus. The name 'Hedionda' in Spanish translates to 'stinky' or 'foul-smelling.' What likely contributes to this characteristic smell of Laguna Hedionda?
A) Abundant fish population
B) Dense vegetation decay
C) High sulfur content in the water
D) Volcanic activity nearby
- 3. Andean flamingos have a distinctive coloration. What is the primary color of the Phoenicoparrus andinus?
A) White and black
B) Pink to reddish
C) Deep blue
D) Bright yellow
- 4. The diet of Phoenicoparrus andinus is crucial for their survival. What do Andean flamingos primarily feed on?
A) Seeds and berries
B) Algae and small invertebrates
C) Insects and plant roots
D) Fish and larger crustaceans
- 5. Laguna Hedionda is located in which South American mountain range?
A) Rocky Mountains
B) Himalayas
C) Andes
D) Alps
- 6. Phoenicoparrus andinus, unlike some other flamingo species, possesses a unique beak structure. How is the Andean flamingo's beak adapted for feeding?
A) Forked for scooping water
B) Long and pointed for spearing fish
C) Downward-curving with lamellae for filtering
D) Short and broad for crushing seeds
- 7. The altitude of Laguna Hedionda presents specific environmental challenges. What is a common characteristic of the climate at these high altitudes?
A) Low oxygen levels and intense UV radiation
B) Frequent fog and low visibility
C) Mild temperatures year-round
D) High humidity and consistent rainfall
- 8. Andean flamingos are often seen in large groups. What is the term for a large group of flamingos?
A) Flock
B) Herd
C) School
D) Flamboyance
- 9. The coloration of Phoenicoparrus andinus is derived from their diet. What specific pigments in their food cause their pinkish hue?
A) Anthocyanins
B) Carotenoids
C) Chlorophyll
D) Melanin
- 10. Laguna Hedionda's salinity can fluctuate. What is a common feature of the water in saline lakes like Laguna Hedionda?
A) Slightly acidic pH
B) Murky and polluted water
C) High mineral content
D) Freshwater with low mineral content
- 11. Phoenicoparrus andinus are known to migrate. What is a primary driver of their migration patterns?
A) Avoiding predators
B) Breeding with different species
C) Seasonal availability of food and water
D) Seeking warmer climates
- 12. What is the scientific classification of the Andean flamingo?
A) Phoenicopterus ruber
B) Phoenicoparrus andinus
C) Struthio camelus
D) Anas platyrhynchos
- 13. The breeding behavior of Phoenicoparrus andinus is fascinating. Where do they typically build their nests?
A) Rocky cliffs
B) Tree branches
C) Mud mounds in shallow water
D) Underground burrows
- 14. Laguna Hedionda is part of a larger ecosystem. What type of biome is characteristic of the regions where Andean flamingos are found?
A) Savanna
B) Altiplano or high-altitude desert
C) Taiga
D) Tropical monsoon forest
- 15. Phoenicoparrus andinus has a distinctive gait. How do they typically move when walking?
A) Hopping and jumping
B) Crawling along the ground
C) Long, deliberate steps
D) Quick, scurrying movements
- 16. Conservation efforts are important for Phoenicoparrus andinus. What is a major threat to Andean flamingos and their habitat?
A) Overabundance of food sources
B) Lack of natural predators
C) Excessive rainfall
D) Habitat degradation and pollution
- 17. The legs of Phoenicoparrus andinus are remarkably long. What is the function of their long legs in their environment?
A) Balancing on narrow ledges
B) Wading in deep water and filtering food
C) Propelling them through the air
D) Digging for food in dry soil
- 18. Laguna Hedionda is known for its dramatic fluctuations in water levels. What causes these changes?
A) Evaporation and rainfall patterns
B) Glacial meltwater
C) Tectonic shifts
D) Human dam construction
- 19. What is the primary sense Phoenicoparrus andinus uses to locate food in the water?
A) Acute hearing for detecting movement
B) A strong sense of smell
C) Touch and pressure sensors in their beak
D) Sharp eyesight for spotting prey
- 20. The social structure of Andean flamingos is complex. They are known to be:
A) Paired for life, living in small family groups
B) Mostly independent, only gathering for migration
C) Highly social, living in colonies
D) Solitary and territorial
- 21. Laguna Hedionda is a unique ecosystem that supports specialized life forms. What term describes organisms that are adapted to live in saline environments?
A) Xerophytes
B) Halophytes
C) Hydrophytes
D) Endotherms
- 22. The 'filter feeding' mechanism of Phoenicoparrus andinus involves:
A) Scooping up food with their large tongues
B) Sucking water and mud through their beaks and filtering out food with lamellae
C) Snapping at insects on the water's surface
D) Diving underwater to catch prey
- 23. When Phoenicoparrus andinus stands on one leg, it is believed to be for what primary reason?
A) To reduce heat loss in cold environments
B) To stretch their muscles
C) To improve balance while sleeping
D) To scare away potential predators
- 24. Laguna Hedionda is often visited by tourists. What is a recommended practice for visitors to minimize their impact on the flamingo habitat?
A) Play loud music near the lake
B) Leave behind food scraps
C) Maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the birds
D) Feed the flamingos to get closer
- 25. The term 'Andes' refers to a mountain range. What does the word 'Andes' approximately mean in indigenous Quechua language?
A) River
B) Sky
C) Sun
D) Mountain
|