Unit 1.2 Phenology and Arthropods: Tracking Seasonal Change

A set of QUESTION_AND_ANSWER flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 1.2 on phenology, arthropods, Caterpillars Count!, citizen science, and related ecological concepts.

What is phenology?

The study of the timing of seasonal changes in the biological world (root from Greek phaino = to appear); examples include flowers blooming, leaves growing, birds migrating, and insect emergence.

Why does timing matter in phenology?

Because biological events are tied to seasonal conditions; timing affects organisms’ food access, reproduction, and survival.

What is Caterpillars Count!?

A citizen science project that uses public data to track arthropod abundance and monitor seasonal shifts.

Name three roles of arthropods in ecosystems.

Pollinators, decomposers, and prey for many species; they are vital to food webs.

Which of the following is NOT an arthropod?

Snail.

Why are honey bees significant in agriculture?

They are economically valuable pollinators; bee pollination accounts for about one-third of our diet and supports many crops.

How many sites participated in Caterpillars Count! in the data shown?

185 sites.

How many data contributors participated?

1,701 data contributors.

What are the two survey methods used in Caterpillars Count!?

Beat Sheet Surveys and Visual Surveys.

Which data collection method will you use in this unit?

Visual Survey.

Which app helps identify arthropods using photos and field observations?

iNaturalist Seek.

In a Caterpillars Count! circle, how many branches are surveyed?

Five branches.

How many group members should submit observations?

Only one person in the group should submit observations.

Name a common bias found in citizen science data (e.g., iNaturalist).

Over-representation of flowering plants and under-representation of hard-to-ID organisms; plus other spatial/observer biases.

What arthropod data aspects do citizen scientists provide in Caterpillars Count!?

Occurrence, composition, abundance, and phenology.

When do caterpillar populations typically peak according to Caterpillars Count! data?

Late spring to early summer.

What is a likely consequence if caterpillars emerge earlier than usual with unchanged bird migration?

Birds may arrive too late to find sufficient food (mismatches in the food web).

What is a potential long-term effect of phenological shifts on birds?

Birds might not find enough food for their chicks.

What is a key takeaway about phenology and ecosystems?

Shifts in timing due to climate change can disrupt ecosystems and food webs; citizen science helps track these changes.

Where can you obtain the Caterpillars Count! Arthropod Identification Guide?

From the Caterpillars Count! site (PDFs of the Arthropod Guide).

What is a common consequence of mismatched insect emergence and plant flowering for pollination?

Pollination problems due to timing mismatches.

What does the root word phaino mean in phenology?

To appear.