- 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) Otters
C) Beavers
D) Wolves
- 2. What term does Goldfarb use to describe beavers' impact on their environment?
A) Ecosystem engineers
B) Environmental architects
C) Habitat builders
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) Dams
D) Lodges
- 5. How do beaver ponds benefit water quality?
A) They filter pollutants
B) They reduce acidity
C) They add minerals
D) They increase oxygen
- 6. How do beaver-created wetlands affect fire risk?
A) They reduce fire risk
B) They have no effect
C) They change fire direction
D) They increase fire risk
- 7. What is 'assisted migration' in the context of beaver restoration?
A) Helping beavers migrate naturally
B) Teaching beavers new routes
C) Breeding beavers in captivity
D) Relocating beavers to new areas
- 8. What is the main conflict between beavers and human infrastructure?
A) Damage to crops
B) Tree removal in parks
C) Water contamination
D) Flooding of roads and property
- 9. How do beaver ponds affect groundwater?
A) They pollute groundwater
B) They have no effect
C) They drain aquifers
D) They recharge aquifers
- 10. What is the 'beaver believer' movement?
A) A religious group
B) Scientific researchers
C) People advocating for beaver restoration
D) Beaver hunters
- 11. What is a primary benefit of beaver wetlands for amphibians?
A) Food sources
B) Temperature regulation
C) Protection from predators
D) Breeding habitat
- 12. How does Goldfarb describe traditional beaver management?
A) Focused on coexistence
B) Well-regulated and successful
C) Based on science
D) Often lethal and ineffective
- 13. What is the main point Goldfarb makes about beavers and climate change?
A) They are climate change allies
B) They contribute to it
C) They are unaffected
D) They are threatened by it
- 14. What is 'beaver fever' another name for?
A) Leptospirosis
B) Rabies
C) Giardiasis
D) Tularemia
- 15. How do beavers help combat climate change?
A) By reducing methane emissions
B) By storing carbon in wetlands
C) By cooling the atmosphere directly
D) By producing oxygen
- 16. What is the scientific name for the North American beaver?
A) Castor canadensis
B) Castor fiber
C) Lutra canadensis
D) Ondatra zibethicus
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