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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a specialist species?
A
Raccoon (Procyon lotor), which eats a wide variety of foods
B
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), which feeds almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves
C
Coyote (Canis latrans), which thrives in diverse habitats and diets
D
House sparrow (Passer domesticus), which adapts to many environments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a specialist species. A specialist species is one that has a narrow ecological niche, meaning it relies on a specific type of food, habitat, or environmental condition to survive. This is in contrast to generalist species, which can thrive in a wide range of environments and consume a variety of foods.
Step 2: Analyze the characteristics of each species provided in the options. For example, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a generalist because it eats a wide variety of foods and adapts to different environments. Similarly, the coyote (Canis latrans) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus) are also generalists due to their ability to thrive in diverse habitats and diets.
Step 3: Focus on the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Koalas feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, which makes them highly dependent on this specific food source. This narrow dietary preference is a defining characteristic of a specialist species.
Step 4: Compare the koala's ecological niche to the other species. The koala's reliance on eucalyptus leaves contrasts with the generalist behaviors of the raccoon, coyote, and house sparrow, which can adapt to a variety of foods and environments.
Step 5: Conclude that the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is the correct example of a specialist species because its survival is closely tied to a specific and limited resource—eucalyptus leaves.