Biodiversity and Wellness

Quiz 1

What are the 4 life stages of a tick?

1. Eggs

2. Larva

3. Nymph

4. Adult

What seasons are each lifestage present?

Egg- Spring

Larva- Summer to Spring

Nymph- Spring to Fall

Adult- Fall to Death

Is a larva infected with the Lyme bacteria?

No

When is the earliest a tick obtain the Lyme bacteria?

After it has had its first feeding.

What is the primary target of a tick at the larva stage?

A white footed mouse, or any small mammal.

When is the earliest life stage a tick can pass on the Lyme bacteria?

As a nymph

What affects the frequency of infected ticks?

The abundance of different plants and animals.

What invasive species is the best habitat for ticks to live in?

The Japanese Barberry

Why is the Japanese Barberry the best place for ticks to live?

The Japanese Barberry has a great humidity, which prevents the ticks from dehydrating.

What is the dilution effect?

The effect states that increased biodiversity can reduce the transmission and impact of pathogens in a community and vice versa.

How do the following animals affect infected ticks?

1. More white footed mice

2. More opossums and squirrels

3. More foxes

4. Coyotes present

5. Wolves present

6. Japanese Barberry

1. More infected tick nymphs

2. Fewer infected tick nymphs

3. Fewer infected tick nymphs

4. More infected tick nymphs

5. More infected tick nymphs

6. Greater survival, mobility, and reproduction of tick nymphs

When there is lower biodiversity what is the risk for disease?

There is a higher risk of disease.

When there is higher biodiversity what is the risk of disease?

There is a lower risk of disease.

What is habitat fragmentation?

Habitat fragmentation is land used by humans that often break habitats into fragments.

What happens to species when habitat fragmentation occurs?

It cause the loss of species diversity.

Why is there a loss of diversity when habitat fragmentation occurs?

1. The smaller fragments don’t provide a big enough location for certain species.

2. Being close to the edge of the habitat exposes animals to various conditions.

What are the 3 conditions that animals can be exposed to during habitat fragmentation?

1. Noise

2. Human Activity

3. Pets

What species causes Chagas Disease?

Kissing bugs spread Chagas Disease.

How many people are infect with Chagas Disease?

6 to 7 million people are infected.

What are the symptoms of Chagas Disease?

The symptoms are heart problems and neurological issues.

What happens if Chagas Disease is left untreated?

It can lead to heart failure.

Is there a cure for Chagas DIsease?

Yes