Activity 7 and 8

ACTIVITY 7
Part 1
Sampling Strategies for Studying Clark's Nutcrackers

To attract Clark's Nutcrackers for her study, Taza Schaming employs various methods, including
lures like peanuts, playback calls, and beef fat. She tracks and identifies individual birds using
colored leg bands and radio telemetry, which allows her to observe repeat visitors. Her research
involves monitoring 76 radio-tagged nutcrackers to gain insights into their behavior, foraging
habits, and movement patterns.
Keystone Species: Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine

Clark’s Nutcrackers and whitebark pine are keystone species in the greater Yellowstone
ecosystem. The nutcrackers play a critical role by dispersing and caching whitebark pine seeds,
essential for forest regeneration. More than 100 species rely on whitebark pine seeds as a food
source, including grizzly bears, squirrels, and other birds. Acting as natural "tree planters,"
nutcrackers bury seeds at the ideal depth for germination, supporting forest health.
Challenges Facing Whitebark Pine and Nutcrackers

Whitebark pine populations are severely affected by blister rust disease and infestations of
mountain pine beetles. Since 2003, Clark's Nutcracker populations have dropped by 50%, likely
due to declining whitebark pine availability. Without nutcrackers, whitebark pine struggles to
regenerate, affecting the entire ecosystem.
Obligate Mutualism
Whitebark pines have an obligate mutualistic relationship with Clark's Nutcrackers, relying solely
on the birds for seed dispersal. The pine cones do not open on their own, and the seeds lack
wings, making nutcrackers vital for seed distribution and forest renewal. Nutcrackers have a
sublingual pouch that allows them to carry up to 150 seeds, which they bury for later use. Seeds
they do not retrieve often grow into new trees.
Human-Caused Threats
Climate change and human-induced environmental stressors have accelerated the decline of
whitebark pines. Forest management practices and human-facilitated pest invasions worsen the
threats faced by these trees.
Eco-Restoration vs. Nutcracker-Assisted Reforestation

While some advocate for manual reforestation to restore whitebark pine populations, Clark’s
Nutcrackers are natural seed dispersers who plant seeds across large areas. Their role is
essential to the large-scale restoration of whitebark pines.
Migratory Behavior of Nutcrackers

When food sources become scarce, Clark's Nutcrackers migrate to places like Yellowstone,
Canada, or the Pinyon pine forests of Arizona. Schaming’s research on these traveling
nutcrackers aims to understand their migration patterns and ensure suitable habitat and food
sources are available across their range.
Role of Douglas-Fir and Management Strategies

While Douglas-fir trees are part of the ecosystem, they do not share the same mutualistic
relationship with Clark’s Nutcrackers as whitebark pines. Management plans need to focus on
protecting whitebark pine and supporting nutcrackers to maintain ecosystem stability.
Part 2
What tree species does the Clark’s Nutcracker rely on?

The Clark’s Nutcracker depends on the whitebark pine for food and to cache seeds for future
use.
How is climate change affecting whitebark pine trees?

Climate change is worsening the impact of blister rust infections and encouraging the growth of
mountain pine beetle populations, both of which are deadly to whitebark pines.
Why does Taza Schaming use radio telemetry to track Clark’s Nutcrackers?
Radio telemetry allows Taza Schaming to track the movement, behavior, and migratory
responses of Clark’s Nutcrackers, especially during times of food scarcity.
Why is Taza Schaming’s research important?

Her research is vital to understanding and preserving the mutualism between Clark’s
Nutcrackers and whitebark pines, which supports a diverse ecosystem with numerous
dependent species.
What role does the Clark’s Nutcracker play for whitebark pine trees?
The Clark’s Nutcracker disperses and plants whitebark pine seeds, aiding in forest regeneration
and promoting the survival of whitebark pine populations.
ACTIVITY 8
ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH QUESTION SAMPLING STRATEGY
Lake ecosystem Which plant species thrive Set up transects running from
along the lake shore? the lake shore toward deeper
water, placing quadrats along
each transect. Use
percentage cover to identify
and estimate plant species
along the shore.
Woodland What types of plants grow on Position quadrats in various

the forest floor? woodland areas, conducting
actual counts of plants in
each quadrat to identify
species on the forest floor.
Grassland How many grass species are Randomly distribute quadrats

present across the field? across 10% of the grassland,
counting and identifying grass
species in each quadrat to
calculate population density.
Stream Where do plants grow along Place transects parallel to the

different areas of the stream? stream, covering slow to
fast-flowing sections. Place
quadrats along each transect,
recording the percentage
frequency of plant presence
to map growth distribution.
Meadow What types of plants grow Position quadrats both

around the oak trees around the base of oak trees
and in open meadow
sections. Record percentage
cover and plant presence in
each quadrat to compare
plant communities near trees
versus open areas.

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ACTIVITY 7

Sampling Strategies for Studying Clark's Nutcrackers

Keystone Species: Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine

Challenges Facing Whitebark Pine and Nutcrackers

Eco-Restoration vs. Nutcracker-Assisted Reforestation

Migratory Behavior of Nutcrackers

Role of Douglas-Fir and Management Strategies

What tree species does the Clark’s Nutcracker rely on?

How is climate change affecting whitebark pine trees?

Why is Taza Schaming’s research important?

ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH QUESTION SAMPLING STRATEGY

Woodland What types of plants grow on Position quadrats in various

Grassland How many grass species are Randomly distribute quadrats

Stream Where do plants grow along Place transects parallel to the

Meadow What types of plants grow Position quadrats both

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