The Squirrel Wars
Read “The Squirrel Wars” at The New York Times. Once you have completed the reading assignment, respond to the following questions as comments on this page — due Thursday night 01/12/2012.
- Are red squirrels and grey squirrels the same species? How do you know?
- Describe the adaptive advantages that grey squirrels have over the red squirrels.
- Why are the red squirrels surviving better in the northern forests of England?
- What ecological principles does this story illustrate?
- What do you think of the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership’s strategy for saving the red squirrel? Do you think it will work?
1)Of course they are the same species. Its like saying is rashad and a duck the same species. Obviously they are the same species lol. Jk rashad...how do i know, well the question asked "are red (squirrels) and gray (squirrels) the same species. Umm, kinda obvious.
ReplyDelete2)Red squirrels, because of their bright fur, tend to attract most predators because they are easily seen where as gray squirrels can hide in most cases.
3)They are surviving better because the British government passed laws and regulations and a program called "Save our Squirrels" to prevent the harming of red squirrels. They believe that red squirrels are a historical emblem and a national icon.
4 1/2) Look its mrs fradi
4)If you were to take the word ecology, it defines as the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. The principals of this story or any common other story relate to the idea or the reality of extinction. Most animals are created to serve us human beings, whether they synthesize a certain chemical used for antibiotics or simply using their fur as warmth. If they were to all go extinct, how can we survive? Take it this way, if we were inferior to another type of species, would you allow for extinction? As the dominant species on this Earth, we are to balance the population of other species by respecting them and not allow for extinction. Surely we were created with the ability and reason to think. We are above all animals.
5)Anything can happen. You can never be certain about anything. We all can assume something might or might not work based on the probability of the happening. My opinion is that if the "S.O.S" program continues what they're doing, they could have a respectable pathway of saving the squirrels.
Extra comments) Woah, its mrs fradi again...
1. Yes, they are the same species but have adapted to their environment and have reproduced. The grays are larger and tougher and meaner than the reds. They can eat newly fallen acorns, and the reds cannot. They cross open lands that the reds are scared of. They are more sociable than reds, allowing for higher population densities. Although gray males cannot mate with red females, they often intimidate red males out of doing so.
ReplyDelete2. The grays are larger and tougher and meaner than the reds. They can eat newly fallen acorns, and the reds cannot. They cross open lands that the reds are scared of. They are more sociable than reds, allowing for higher population densities. Although gray males cannot mate with red females, they often intimidate red males out of doing so.
3. The red squirrel is smaller than the gray, it can live on less food. It does fine, in a conifer forest, without rich acorns and beechnuts; in such an environment the grays will leave for a better habitat elsewhere. As it happens, the large conifer forests in Britain are in the north, where the reds remain.
4. The ecological principle the red and gray squirrels are illustrating is adaptation. The population has accumulated diverse modifications that allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific habitat.
5. Red squirrels do not strip bark from trees; damage arable crops, market gardens and garden plants; dig up bulb and corms from recently sown seed; eat birds’ eggs; or eat telephone wires and electricity cables, as gray squirrels do. The gray squirrels are adapting to civilization and finding ways to survive unlike the red squirrels. It is not humanities job to save a species; it is survival of the fittest. You can try and save a species, but ultimately you are not doing any favors for that species in the long run.
1. They are the same species. Although it is thought that red squirrels might have higher reproductive rate, and other advantages, they still hold as being the same species. Analogous to humans, some looks different in size, with different phenotypic characters, however, all humans are homosapiens; same species.
ReplyDelete2. One major adaptive advantage of the gray squirrels is that they are more resistant to diseases that are fatal to squirrels, as their bodies were able to lower the frequency of mutations within their genes. Additionally, it is thought that they are able to breed more successfully, and being exceptional in living the wildlife and out-competing the red squirrels, they might just dominate.
3. The habitats of the DENSE forests of northern England enable the red squirrels to breed more effectively and live off the food of the land, making the population grow in size and this becoming more powerful. Additionally, the fact that there are wide project in the north that are aiming to protect the red squirrels from any danger or even possible extinction. (http://www.rsne.org.uk/news/protecting-north-east%E2%80%99s-red-squirrels)
4. The principle of adaptations and survival of the fittest come into great role when talking about this topic. Different areas and habitats are occupied by different squirrels (those with favorable traits), and also the red and gray squirrels can't coexist, suggesting that survival of the fittest and struggle for survival are a big part.
5. Red squirrels tend to be more "close to the heart" than the gray ones; they are less cruel, destructive, and selfish of their resources. All the efforts to preserve these squirrels will make a large impact on the the population of red squirrels, and evidently, if it hadn't been for the human interference of introducing the destructive squirrels, the red squirrels would not be in danger. Humans must reverse the works(bad, very bad) of other humans; it isn't a mistake to reverse a mistake.
1. Both gray and red squirrels are from the same species; however, each kind obtains different characteristics that help it adapt to its own environment, hence, allowing it to thrive, survive and reproduce! This aspect may be quite similar to the comparison between humans from various parts of the globe. Lets say I’m from Canada and my friend is from Japan, are we both considered human?? hmmm…..
ReplyDelete2. There are a myriad of adaptive advantages present in the gray squirrels that are not found in the red kind. First off, the grays can eat hard acorns that are newly fallen onto the ground and are known to be brutal and huge! They tend to cross open lands and are not afraid of what awaits them on the other side. This is a great positive and allows the gray squirrels to reproduce at a much faster rate than the reds.
3. Due to the fact that the red squirrels are considered to represent one of Britain’s national icons, killing them would be a crime. This major aspect is what is saving the reds from extinction in no later than 10 years. Further more, the Britain put up conservation camps for the red squirrels and that when organizations grew stronger including Natural England and Mammal Trust. Save Our Squirrels (S.O.S) is another type of public awareness leading this great cause. All these so called “conservations” are allowing the reds to survive and move on.
4. Ecology, as it is well-defined, is the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. Here we have the gray squirrels who can eat the hard acorns off the floor and adapt to their environment at a much faster rate than the red squirrels. The gray ones would have a greater chance of survival due to their ability to confront any physical barrier that comes their way; whether it being food or a new habitat, their sociable ability and other preferred features will be there for assistance. On the other hand, you have the red who are only surviving due to the conservations made for them. The main principle depicted here would be survival of the fittest and that nature will always side with a species that can support itself first due to the useful characteristics it has acquired/inherited (natural selection).
5. Any attempt made and any strategy given is always of a help, especially for all of those species out there who are in desperate need of our assistance.
You have many organizations out there in England (as listed above) and in the world that are giving all they got to preserve the existence of various species. However, what the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership is doing to the gray squirrels is unreasonable. They would smash the heads of any gray squirrel they see in order to prevent them from taking over the red squirrel’s territories. This is insane and many suggest they put an end to it right away. There are other ways to stop the gray squirrels from overpopulating their species, but not through torture and death!!
1. Despite the different appearances and characteristics, red and gray squirrels are indeed the same species.
ReplyDelete2. As stated in the article, gray squirrels are much fiercer than red squirrels and are therefore more capable of surviving. They have bigger builds, eat acorns that reds avoid, and venture into areas that reds fear. Furthermore, gray squirrels carry a disease that they have grown immune to, meaning that they are not affected by it; red squirrels, on the other hand, are not so lucky. They have no defense against the disease so when a red and an infected gray mix, the red perishes.
3. In the north of England the forests consist of conifer trees that lack the acorns and beechnuts gray squirrels seek. Such an environment does not suit them as they want an area that contains more food, but for the reds a conifer forest is perfect; they can survive perfectly well on as little food as the forest provides. Also, these forests are protected all around in order to ensure that gray squirrels do not enter or else they'll be killed.
4. This story is an excellent example of survival of the fittest and different organisms competing for dominance. The red and gray squirrels are competing for survival in an environment, with the reds struggling to hold their own. The grays are the fittest; they are better suited with better characteristics. They are more capable than the reds, which are struggling to survive and are facing elimination.
5. The attempts of this organization to save the red squirrels from elimination seem like a long shot considering the grays have been flourishing for a long while now. It’s too late for the reds as they’re already on the brink of extinction and the grays are just too good at surviving; no matter what, they can’t all be killed off and will continue to thrive. The efforts seem a bit futile.
1) Yes they are the same species, even though they have different characteristics they still come from the same ancestor and the reason for their differences are because each squirrel adapts to their own environment so they can survive. At some point in time these squirrels must have been one population but have separated because of some reason and through time have changed so they can live in the environment that they moved to.
ReplyDelete2) The adaptive advantages the grays have are that they are larger and tougher and meaner than the reds. They can eat newly fallen acorns that the reds cannot. They cross open lands that the reds are scared of. They are more sociable than reds, allowing for higher population densities. The greys basically outcompete the reds at being squirrels.
3) The reds are a national icon to the British so they want to protect it from extinction since there are only estimated 160,000 left of them. It has become a crime to kill a red squirrel so they do not have problems of humans hunting them down and reducing their population even more. Redesdale has also joined to help keep the reds safe from harm by starting an organization called the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership that will trap any grey squirrel nearby.
4) The ecological principle of this story is survival of the fittest basically because the organisms with the favorable traits will be the ones to live on and reproduce. Also, the differences between the red and grey squirrels come from the accumulation of different characteristics from adaptation in different environments. But overall the grey squirrels are a lot better and are able to survive easier than the red squirrels.
5) I think the red squirrel protection partnership strategy will at least save the reds from being killed constantly but the problem is this new organization is now killing many grey squirrels as well to protect the reds. We do not want to reduce the greys population as well; there should be a different plan on how to save the reds without harming other animals. Killing the grey squirrels is cruel and what they should actually do is to try to move the red squirrels into a safer environment so the people don’t have to go wiping out different animals to save the other.
I think no...lol
Deleteno think ruhs just jealous lol
Delete1.)Red Squirrels and Grey Squirrels are the same species. Although the gray males cannot mate with red females and hold several characteristics that enable them to adapt better, they continue to be the same species as well as with the rest of the tree squirrels. It is similar to humans throughout the world. Although we may have distinct traits and features, we will persist to being the same species.
ReplyDelete2.)The Gray Squirrels hold numerous advantages over the red squirrels. One thing is that they are larger, tougher, and meaner thus allowing them to obtain whatever they long for. Grey Squirrels are also capable of crossing open lands that the reds are scared of and are more sociable than reds, allowing for higher population densities.
3.)Due to the fact that the Red Squirrels became beloved in Britain, it encouraged the people to protect this certain species through several organizations. The government has passed several laws and regulations that allowed the citizens apart of the Highland Squirrel Club to hinder the killings of red squirrels. Also, the dense forests of Northern England hold numerous benefits that allow the population of the red squirrels to increase. For example, it provides an adequate amount of food that the squirrels can use to reproduce and live off.
4.)The ecological principle that well illuminates this story is survival of the fittest. Since there are numerous habitats that consist of a marvelous amount of squirrels, their distinct characteristics allows them to compete for life and reproduction. Also, adaptation plays a part in this as well. Since grey squirrels have more advantages in certain environments over the red squirrels, it enables them to continue to spread and attempt to “intimidate” the red squirrels.
5.)As long as the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership organization does not eradicate the Grey Squirrels population, then it is essential to exterminate some of them in order to keep the rate of the red squirrels in equilibrium with the gray squirrels. Also, since the red squirrels are considered Britain’s new icon demonstrating the gentler and more evolved nation, it is crucial to keep them present forever and kill off some of the aggressive grey squirrels.
1. Yes, they are both the same species; they are both squirrels. However the gray squirrels have adapted to Britain's environment and are "taking over" the native red squirrels. Since gray squirrels are claiming more territory, the are producing more gray squirrels leaving the red squirrels to decrease in size.
ReplyDelete2. Gray squirrels are larger, tougher, and meaner than red squirrels, giving them an advantage. They can also eat newly fallen acorns, which the red ones cannot. They cross open land and spread themselves, increasing their population. Also gray squirrels carry a virus that kills the red squirrels, which is very advantageous to gray squirrels.
3. Red squirrels are smaller than gray ones and can live on less food. Red squirrels can live fine in a conifer forest, without rich acorns and beechnuts;in this type of environment gray squirrels would leave to a different and better habitat.
4. This story further suggests and proves natural selection or the "survival of the fittest" theory. The gray squirrels were the strong--or the fit--species and were able to maintain a population over 2 million.
5. Yes, I think S.O.S. will be successful because it makes sense, and I'm an optimist.
I think that the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership strategy is a great step to try to increase the population of Britain's praised icon.
1. The Red squirrel and the Gray Squirrel are the same species, they probably came from the same ancestor and overtime had to adapt to different enviroments. They do differ in appearance and environment adaptations.
ReplyDelete2. Not only do the Gray squirrels outnumber the Red squirrels in population which give them a much higher advantage, Gray squirrels are more aggressive towards the reds. They are able to eat new acorns that fell on the ground while the reds are not able to. They are also larger and can reproduce in higher numbers due to their population. Survival of the fittest.
3.Red squirrels are surviving better in the Nothern forests of england because they are not bothered by any humans due to the British becoming very concerned with the extinction of the red squirrel in their country. They have came up with organizations and many plans to keep the red squirrel save and alive along with a population increase. Red squirrels also feed on the conifers so they are rich in the northern forests, they do not have to worry about not eating anymore because of the hard acorns.
4. This story provides more evidence to the theory of Natural selection and survival of the fittest where the ones who can survive and adapt to the environment and successfully reproduce are the ones who succeed.
5. Because red squirrels seem to be the minority, they need to be protected before they become extinct from England. These programs such as punishing and charging a crime for hunting the red squirrel can make a large impact on the population and lead to possibly a peak over the next few years of saving them.
what if i just copied all this
ReplyDeleteThen you fail =p
Deleter u sure i dont think mrs fradi would actaully notice oh and read my answers lol
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI think Ms. Fradi would notice, what do you think?
Delete1) First of all I want to say that either am blind or just stupid because don’t both of those words start with the word “squirrel”. They are both the same species however they lived in two different environments and that means they adapted differently. !!!DURR!!!
ReplyDelete2) The larger Grey Squirrel survives cold winters better than its thin cousin, as it is able to store more fat. Taking advantage of its size by foraging in the trees as well as on the ground, the Grey Squirrel out competes the smaller Red, who stays in the trees to avoid predation. Grey squirrels are generalist feeders, while the Red Squirrel prefers conifer forests. The adaptable Grey feeds on nuts, flowers, fruits, seeds, tree bark, fungi as well as bird eggs, nestlings and frogs. !!!I would so kill myself for answering these questions!!!
3) “Without human intervention, reds could be gone from England in 10 years. The red squirrel is a national icon, and the British government is trying hard to save it. Deliberately killing a red squirrel or disturbing its nest, called a drey, is a crime.” This is basically saying that the British government is trying their best to save the red squirrel from being extinct.!!!i feel so stupid answering these questions!!!
4) First I say that it is illustrating adaptation and natural selection. First of all for the squirrels to survive in that environment they have to adapt so they can get their resources making competition. Second it is natural selection because as you have already read red squirrels are close to extinction in Ireland because they are a weak species unlike the grey squirrel, meaning that the ones with the favorable traits were the grey squirrels. !!!Oh and rashad speaks!!!
5) Well you can never say whether something is going to work or not unless it is actually put into effect, we can all guess yes or no to this question but we really cant tell the future. I don’t know if it will work because people have always said or were going to do this or this but they never do, only god almighty knows.!!!RASHAD dude stop speaking!!
well played lmao!
DeleteDear dudewatsthiskrap:
DeleteSince u seem to be so opinionated about so many various topics why and are pathetic enough to take time from (I’m sure your very busy schedule) to make your comments clear on the issue... why don’t you complete your honoring bravery and write your real name on your comments. :/
Lol Lama, it's squirrel boy (Mahde)
DeleteWe already know who he is Lama =p and lol mahde, rashad ALWAYS speaks... you're just not cool enough to hear him =p
Deleteif i dont have time to put those comments then howcome i had the time to do these questions kinda obviose that i do have some sort of time apparently so does evryone o the blog oh and i had to change my name because mrs fradi asked oh and whos lama
Deleteheh... no offence mahde but i thought u were some kind of random forty year old man in his mothers basement with nothing better to do.:P oh u dont need to explain yourself. u can do wat ever you want.
DeleteLOL Lama!!! xD
Delete1. Yes, the gray squirrels from America and the red squirrels of Britain are the same species. It is undeniable that they have different characteristics; as the article pointed out, they can’t interbreed with each other, but that does not mean that the truth—that they have a common ancestor—is any less believable. It is the difference in environments and need to adapt that caused today’s dissimilarities.
ReplyDelete2. The American gray squirrels are known to be larger, tougher, and meaner than red squirrels. They can eat “newly fallen acorns”, while the reds cannot, as well as cross areas that reds are afraid of, and are generally more sociable than reds. Another advantage is the ability to carry but not be affected by squirrel pox, which is fatal to red squirrels, killing them within two weeks.
3. With rich acorns and beechnuts, reds are content with living in a conifer forest—something that would send grays searching for a better habitat. Due to the reds’ smaller size, they are able to eat the food available, making them stay in the northern forests.
4. Some of the ecological principles present in the article include adaptation and Darwinism (specifically survival of the fittest). As mentioned above, gray squirrels gave favorable traits such as size and immunity to certain diseases. As for adaptations, it is obvious in the fact that they cannot reproduce with each other.
5. I do not at all agree with the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership’s strategy for saving red squirrels. Animal cruelty has never been and never will be patriotic. Although their reasons might seem righteous in their minds (seeing it as some kind of cultural preservation), gray squirrels should not be killed based on an obsessive mental disorder. As for whether or not it’ll work, I do admit that they might dent the population’s growth for some time, but that’s it, just a dent. They don’t have enough recruits and with over two million gray squirrels to eradicate, it’s almost impossible to achieve.
1.Yes red squirrels and gray squirrels are part of the same species even though they have different characteristics. They both come from one common ancestor, but they each grabbed a few adaptations along the way to help cope with the environment or struggles which causes the differences between them.
ReplyDelete2.The gray squirrels have plenty advantages over the red squirrels. The grays are larger and tougher and meaner than the reds. They can eat newly fallen acorns, and the reds cannot. They cross open lands that the reds are scared of. They can carry a disease that can kill off red squirrels but this disease doesn't kill themselves(gray squirrels). This plays a huge role in natural selection.These are just a few of the many advantages.
3.Red squirrels are able to survive better in the north because the red squirrel is smaller than the gray which means it can live on less food. It does fine, for instance, in a conifer forest, without rich acorns and beechnuts; in such an environment the grays will leave for a better habitat elsewhere. Also the red squirrels are protected under many organizations.
4.This illustrates natural selection’s “survival of the fittest” theory. You have in this environment individuals-in this case squirrels- competing for survival. Only those who are able to adapt to the environment and stay strong will be able to survive and then mate to produce healthy offspring; the weak will eventually die out.
5.Honestly I think the methods they are using to save the red squirrel are cruel. I mean smashing them on the head? There should be an alternative method for killing these gray squirrels, something that’s less painful. I have to admit though, I think that reducing the gray squirrels’ population will play a large role in saving the red squirrels.
1. Yes, of course. Gray and red squirrels are the same species, just as whites and blacks (people) are still humans, from the same species.
ReplyDelete2. The gray squirrels, as listed in the article, have many advantages over the red squirrels including resistance to diseases, they are more "fierce", and once they can cross open lands and are able to consume large, newly fallen acorns.
3. The red squirrels are surviving better in the northern forests of England because it enables them to breed more effectively. England also created an organization called Save-Our-Squirrels (S.O.S) to help protect and conserve these species.
4. This story illustrated many ecological concepts including, survival of the fittest (The gray squirrel eats fresh acorns, and is more fierce which enables it to survive and reproduce), it is a competition for dominance. It can also perhaps illustrate the idea of adaptation since the squirrels adapt to many of the environments they are placed in.
5. In my opinion, human interaction can be good, and bad sometimes, too. The squirrels do not cause any harm to our ecosystem, so there is no reason for them to be put in danger. I don't think it will work.
1.) In my opinion, the two kinds of squirrels are not member of the same species because members of the same species are able to mate and reproduce normal and fertile offspring; a male grey can't mate with a female red. They obviously must have had a common ancestor, but one of the two kinds evolved enough into another genetic makeup (despite how slight the difference) that they are no longer able to reproduce... due to the difference in the genetic make-up.(my understanding...)
ReplyDelete2.) The grays are larger and tougher and meaner than the reds. They can eat newly fallen acorns, and the reds cannot. They cross open lands that the reds are scared of. They are more sociable than reds, allowing for higher population densities. (oui)
3.) The reds are better able to survive in the northern forests of England because the government set up laws protecting them and awareness camps have risen to help serve the cause of keeping them above the ground rather than buried underneath it!
4.) The Darwinian theory of survival for the fittest play an immense role in the ability of both kinds of squirrels to adapt and survive in their surroundings/environment.
5.) Any attempt made in favor of the red squirrels is going to help the reds' population grow. However it is wrong for humans to interfere in nature's ways and defy the principle of survival for the fittest. Even if the reds are helped in regards of the grays, they are not able to adapt into the essential traits needed for survival and even though if the gray squirrel population is wiped, there is always going to be another kind of competition that the reds aren't gonna be able to beat. So why not just let nature do its thing... us humans have to seriously stop shoving ourselves into matters that do NOT CONSERN US. We will NEVER LEARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. The red and gray squirrels are of the same species. Their differences came from adapting to their different environments but it is still highly possible that they share a common ancestor.
ReplyDelete2. Gray squirrels are larger, tougher, and meaner than the red squirrels. They can eat newly fallen acorns, cross open lands that the reds are scared of, are more sociable than reds, allowing for their high populations, and can carry squirrel pox without getting affected by it.
3. Since they are a national icon, the British government has made it so that killing red squirrels on purpose is a crime and they even set up a dozen refugees in North England. Also, the food conifer forests offer is enough to fill up a red squirrel, but not grays making them search for another place with food.
4. This story illustrate "survival of the fittest" because in the end, the squirrel that was stronger and had the favorable traits survived in certain areas. However, adaptation was also illustrated because when the squirrels adapted to their environment, they had a better chance at living.
5. Yes, this strategy could help, but killing gray squirrels is not the answer ESPECIALLY since they were introduced to Britain by humans. Humans should not have brought them over in the first place and because of them meddling in nature, it has caused a dilemma. Besides, the number of red squirrels in the world still outnumbers the number of gray squirrels so carrying out this strategy will only decrease the number of gray squirrels in the world. They can't use the excuse of "gray squirrels are destroying" things because if they are killing grays based on that, then they might as well kill all humans.
1. As you all have so generously pointed out, yes, red squirrels and grey squirrels are in fact from the same species; they’re also part of the of the family Sciuridae. In spite of the details presented about the lack of ability for these squirrels to interbreed and their social and minute physical differences, gray and red squirrels are classified as one species because these squirrels differ merely in their adaptations to their distinctive environments, but they still do share similar DNA, just like humans.
ReplyDelete2.Gray squirrels have an assortment of advantages over red squirrels. They have a more varied diet because they can eat newly fallen acorns, unlike the reds, and are social “risk-takers.” Also, their bodies are stronger and they’re immune to a deadly virus which has caused the red (unfit) populations to drastically suffer.
3.Many organizations are striving to protect the red squirrels in these areas and reds require less food intake because of their smaller body size which is an advantage in the conifer forests where rich acorns and beechnuts are absent.
4.This story portrays Darwin’s inventive idea of natural selection and survival of the fittest, because the gray squirrels were better adapted to the environment and have become more dominate throughout present generations, unlike the poor reds. The story revolves around concepts such as populations, extinction, habitats, adaptations, disease, food sources, and conservation which are all intertwined through ecology.
5.Their strategy is completely unethical because humans brought forth this problem by introducing the gray squirrels in the first place to Britain and now by killing them they’re simply going from one wrong to another. It also won’t work because the gray squirrels are continuously reproducing and unless you have like a “national kill gray squirrel day” you simply cannot get rid of all of them and are only messing with nature’s ways.
This provides a different view of the story: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/05/0502_030502_redsquirrels.html
:)
1. Yes, red and grey squirrels are the same species. Even though they are a different color, they still are the same. They evolved from a common ancestor, and probably inherited the different traits from the different environments surrounding them.
ReplyDelete2. The grey squirrels have alot more advantages then the red squirrels. First of all they are tougher, and can survive in harsher environments because they have stronger bodies. They can also eat fresh acorns, and cross open lands, well that serves as a weakness to the red squirrels.
3. The Red squirrels are surviving better in the northern forest of England, due to the fact that they have the governments protection. They serve as a national icon to the British government. Lastly, their is a great supply of conifers in the North, and the red squirrels feed off of that more.
4. The ecological principles that are portrayed are survival of the fittest and adaptation to a given environment.
5. For any organization to work, it depends on how people react to it. Honestly, I think that its fairly cruel to kill the grey squirrels in order to have the red squirrels survive. There are always other things that could be done to fix this issue. And killing another species to save another is not the right way to go.
1.)Are red squirrels and grey squirrels the same species? How do you know?
ReplyDelete-Red and grey squirrels are of the same species. They are still of the same species just different due to adaptations.
2.)Describe the adaptive advantages that grey squirrels have over the red squirrels.
-The grey squirrels intimidate the red squirrels. They are able to cross vast lands without being afraid, eat newly fallen acorns, and are more sociable resulting in more population growth.
3.)Why are the red squirrels surviving better in the northern forests of England?
-The red squirrels are only surviving due to the aide from government and organizations that are in place to have SOS (save our squirrels). They don't want to lose their icon of the red squirrel so they are doing anything to help them in their habitats and making it a crime to kill one.
4.)What ecological principles does this story illustrate?
-The principles illustrated in this story is clearly survival of the fittest which is the grey squirrels versus the red squirrels. Natural selection allowed for the adaptations of the grey squirrel to overcome the "flaws" you can say in the red squirrels such as the grey squirrels being more brave and social for rising populations.
5.)What do you think of the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership’s strategy for saving the red squirrel? Do you think it will work?
-I think in the long run the strategy will still not overcome the way they aren't able to survive without the aid from the protection services. The grey squirrels still greatly outnumber the red squirrels and will still continue to reproduce. Survival of the fittest will always play its part without human interaction.
1)They are of the same specie because obviously they have the same name and the fact that they have different adaptations and characteristics doesn’t make them different species us humans have different characteristics and live in different areas yet we are the same specie.
ReplyDelete2)Gray squirrels are more advantageous because they have stronger bodies that consist of a strong immune system that is resistant to many diseases. They also are allowed to move frequently and adapt to different areas.
3)Red squirrels are being protected by the SOS protection agency that is preventing any harm to them. Also killing them is a crime.
4)The ecological perspective it’s trying to show is “survival of the fittest”. The strongest and more advantageous organism will survive in society if they can naturally adapt.
5)The intension this activist group has for squirrels is beneficial. However, the way they are going about doesn’t justify their good intensions. Killing gray squirrels to save red squirrels is unethical. In the end they are not benefiting nature. As humans we don’t have the right to pick what species we want to live with us because we didn’t create them. Let nature be natural.