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