Natural History of Iowa II:

Flora and Fauna

Name: ____________________ Class (please circle one): MWam MWpm Kahl

1. What are "stroms"? What habitats did they live in? How long ago?

2. What is the "megafauna"? Why did they become extinct? Name some megafaunal

Species.

3. List the primary plant communities found in Iowa:

4. Name the types of wetlands found in Iowa:

5. What is the most threatened biome (as far as acreage) in the world?

6. List some plant species you might find in a tallgrass prairie:

7. How many species are listed as threatened or endangered in Iowa? What is the primary cause of species loss?

8. Name some "exotic" or introduced species that are found in Iowa (also discuss the ecological problems they are causing):

9. How much of the original prairie habitat exists today in Iowa?

10. How much of Iowa is forested today? How does this compare to recent historical

forest acreage known?

11. What are some common tree species you might find in an "oak-hickory" forest in Iowa?

12. Where is the largest remaining stand of eastern white pine found in Iowa?