c. Give three examples of interdependence between in this habitat. d. Give one example of interdependence between animals and non-living things in this habitat. e. Classify the animals in this habitat based on their skeletons.

Certainly! Let's address each part of your question step-by-step. --- ### **c. Three Examples of Interdependence in This Habitat** **1. **_Bees and Flowering Plants_** - **Relationship:** **Mutualism** - **Description:** Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowering plants to feed themselves and their colonies. In return, they facilitate the pollination process, enabling plants to reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. **2. **_Predator and Prey Dynamics (e.g., Lions and Zebras)_** - **Relationship:** **Predation** - **Description:** Predators like lions depend on prey such as zebras for food. This relationship helps maintain a balanced population, ensuring that no single species overpopulates and depletes resources. **3. **_Trees and Mycorrhizal Fungi_** - **Relationship:** **Symbiosis** - **Description:** Mycorrhizal fungi form associations with tree roots, enhancing the trees' ability to absorb water and essential nutrients from the soil. In exchange, the fungi receive carbohydrates produced by the trees through photosynthesis. --- ### **d. One Example of Interdependence Between Animals and Non-Living Things in This Habitat** **_Beavers and Water Ecosystems_** - **Relationship:** **Ecosystem Engineering** - **Description:** Beavers build dams using branches, mud, and other materials from their surroundings. These dams alter the flow of streams and rivers, creating ponds and wetlands. - **Impact on Non-Living Components:** - **Water Regulation:** By creating ponds, beavers help in regulating water flow, which can prevent downstream flooding during heavy rains. - **Soil and Sediment Control:** The dams reduce water speed, allowing sediments to settle, which can improve water quality by trapping pollutants. - **Benefit to Animals and Plants:** - The ponds provide habitats for various aquatic plants, insects, fish, and other wildlife, increasing biodiversity in the ecosystem. --- ### **e. Classification of Animals in This Habitat Based on Their Skeletons** Animals can be classified into two main categories based on their skeletons: **vertebrates** and **invertebrates**. **1. **_Invertebrates (Animals Without an Internal Backbone)_** - **Examples:** - **Insects:** Such as butterflies, ants, and beetles. - **Mollusks:** Like snails, clams, and octopuses. - **Arachnids:** Including spiders and scorpions. - **Characteristics:** - Lack a spinal column. - May have exoskeletons (external hard shells) for support and protection, as seen in insects and arachnids. **2. **_Vertebrates (Animals With an Internal Backbone)_** - **Subcategories Based on Skeleton Type:** **a. **_Cartilaginous Vertebrates_ - **Examples:** Sharks, rays, and skates. - **Skeleton Composition:** Made primarily of cartilage, which is lighter and more flexible than bone. **b. **_Bony Vertebrates_ - **Examples:** Mammals (like deer and bears), birds (such as eagles and owls), reptiles (like snakes and lizards), amphibians (such as frogs and salamanders), and bony fish. - **Skeleton Composition:** Made primarily of bone, providing strong support and structure. **Visual Summary:** | **Skeleton Type** | **Category** | **Examples** | |----------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------| | No Backbone | **Invertebrates** | Insects, Mollusks, Arachnids | | Backbone Made of Cartilage | **Vertebrates** | Sharks, Rays | | Backbone Made of Bone | **Vertebrates** | Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Bony Fish | --- Understanding these interdependencies and classifications helps in appreciating the complexity and balance of ecosystems. Each component, whether living or non-living, plays a crucial role in maintaining the habitat's health and sustainability.