- 1. Eager by Ben Goldfarb is a captivating exploration into the world of beavers and their profound impact on North America's ecosystems. Goldfarb, through a blend of scientific research and empathetic storytelling, delves into the lives of these industrious creatures, highlighting their engineering prowess and the ecological benefits they provide. The narrative intricately weaves together the history of beavers, the evolution of their relationship with humans, and the contemporary significance of their habitats in combating climate change. As he describes the dam-building activities of beavers and the wetland ecosystems they create, Goldfarb underscores the importance of rewilding and the need to embrace a more harmonious coexistence with nature. With a thoughtful perspective, Eager invites readers to reconsider their views on wildlife and the critical roles that even the smallest of creatures can play in maintaining the balance of our environment, ultimately inspiring a greater appreciation for the natural world.
What is the central subject of Ben Goldfarb's book 'Eager'?
A) Salmon
B) Wolves
C) Otters
D) Beavers
- 2. What term does Goldfarb use to describe beavers' impact on their environment?
A) Habitat builders
B) Environmental architects
C) Ecosystem engineers
D) Keystone species
- 3. What major historical event drastically reduced North America's beaver population?
A) Westward expansion
B) The fur trade
C) Climate change
D) Industrial pollution
- 4. What structure do beavers primarily build that transforms landscapes?
A) Burrows
B) Canals
C) Lodges
D) Dams
- 5. How do beaver ponds benefit water quality?
A) They filter pollutants
B) They add minerals
C) They reduce acidity
D) They increase oxygen
- 6. How do beaver-created wetlands affect fire risk?
A) They reduce fire risk
B) They change fire direction
C) They have no effect
D) They increase fire risk
- 7. What is 'assisted migration' in the context of beaver restoration?
A) Relocating beavers to new areas
B) Breeding beavers in captivity
C) Teaching beavers new routes
D) Helping beavers migrate naturally
- 8. What is the main conflict between beavers and human infrastructure?
A) Water contamination
B) Tree removal in parks
C) Flooding of roads and property
D) Damage to crops
- 9. How do beaver ponds affect groundwater?
A) They pollute groundwater
B) They recharge aquifers
C) They have no effect
D) They drain aquifers
- 10. What is the 'beaver believer' movement?
A) People advocating for beaver restoration
B) A religious group
C) Beaver hunters
D) Scientific researchers
- 11. What is a primary benefit of beaver wetlands for amphibians?
A) Food sources
B) Breeding habitat
C) Temperature regulation
D) Protection from predators
- 12. How does Goldfarb describe traditional beaver management?
A) Well-regulated and successful
B) Based on science
C) Often lethal and ineffective
D) Focused on coexistence
- 13. What is the main point Goldfarb makes about beavers and climate change?
A) They are climate change allies
B) They are threatened by it
C) They contribute to it
D) They are unaffected
- 14. What is 'beaver fever' another name for?
A) Tularemia
B) Leptospirosis
C) Giardiasis
D) Rabies
- 15. How do beavers help combat climate change?
A) By producing oxygen
B) By storing carbon in wetlands
C) By reducing methane emissions
D) By cooling the atmosphere directly
- 16. What is the scientific name for the North American beaver?
A) Castor canadensis
B) Ondatra zibethicus
C) Castor fiber
D) Lutra canadensis
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