88 questions and answers in this section

Natural Sciences » Ecology

Explain why birds sing in the morning.

Explain why birds sing in the morning.

Birds sing in the morning primarily to mark their territory: by singing at dawn, they remind their neighbors which areas are already taken, in order...

Read full answer

Explain why plankton is essential for the balance of the marine ecosystem?

Explain why plankton is essential for the balance of the marine ecosystem?

Plankton is a true floating cafeteria, freely drifting in the oceans and nourishing a multitude of marine organisms. It plays a major role as the...

Read full answer

Explain why are algae considered the lungs of the oceans?

Explain why are algae considered the lungs of the oceans?

Algae are champions at producing oxygen through photosynthesis. Like terrestrial plants, they capture sunlight using their pigments (notably chlorophyll), and then take in carbon dioxide...

Read full answer

Explain why do ants carry leaves bigger than themselves?

Explain why do ants carry leaves bigger than themselves?

Leafcutter ants often carry fragments much larger than themselves, sometimes up to 50 times their own weight. Why this seemingly exhausting choice? In reality, hauling...

Read full answer

Explain why paper recycling helps preserve forests.

Explain why paper recycling helps preserve forests.

Recycling paper allows for the production of new products without constantly tapping into natural resources, which greatly helps to reduce the demand for virgin wood. Essentially, the...

Read full answer

Explain why oil spills are so devastating for the marine ecosystem?

Explain why oil spills are so devastating for the marine ecosystem?

During an oil spill, the oil forms a thick sticky layer on the surface that can suffocate marine animals. This oily mass prevents seabirds from...

Read full answer

Explain why hikers should avoid drinking water from mountain rivers without purifying it.

Explain why hikers should avoid drinking water from mountain rivers without purifying it.

Even though the water of a mountain stream appears as clear as crystal, it can host invisible but dangerous pollutants. Sometimes, there are agricultural chemicals, including traces...

Read full answer

Explain why fireflies emit light at night?

Explain why fireflies emit light at night?

In fireflies, light production comes from chemical reactions in their abdomen. This is called bioluminescence. Specifically, a molecule called luciferin reacts with oxygen under the...

Read full answer

Explain why predators at the top of the food chain are essential for the balance of ecosystems.

Explain why predators at the top of the food chain are essential for the balance of ecosystems.

Top predators, also known as super predators, prevent certain species from becoming dominant and overly reducing the populations of other animals or plants. For example, by limiting...

Read full answer

Explain why the migration of monarch butterflies is an incredible feat of nature?

Explain why the migration of monarch butterflies is an incredible feat of nature?

Every year, monarch butterflies embark on a true aerial marathon of nearly 4,000 kilometers. Incredible but true, these fragile insects, weighing just a few grams, can fly...

Read full answer