Virtual Learning Center

Of note

Ranger Russ mentioned seeing a red-winged blackbird on the walk. These birds are an example of a species that are dimorphic, meaning the males and females have different physical appearances.

Male Red-winged Blackbird
Female Red-winged Blackbird

Mallard Ducks also show dimorphism.

Female (left) and male (right) Mallard ducks

Vocabulary

  • Habitat – natural home or environment of an animal, plant or organism.
  • Cambium – plant tissue.
  • Berm – flat strip of raised land, a bank.
  • Microburst – sudden, powerful, localized air current especially during a storm.
  • Dimorphic – two distinct forms.
  • Invasive plants – plants not native to an area; introduced species which causes harm to an environment by reducing native species.

Fun Facts

  • Baby beavers are called kits.
  • Beaver scat contains mostly wood chips.
  • Beavers don’t live in the dams they build, but in lodges.
  • Beaver’s teeth are an orange-yellow color because they contain iron.
  • Beavers slap the water to warn the others about predators.
  • Beavers front teeth never stop growing; chewing wood helps keep them at the right length.
  • Beavers are the second largest rodent in the world after the Capybara.
  • Beavers can live up to 24 years in the wild.

Skip to content