Which mammal is commonly cited as an umbrella species?

Which mammal is commonly cited as an umbrella species?

• A. Grizzly bear
• B. Platypus
• C. Red fox
• D. Kangaroo

Answer: (A)

The idea here is an umbrella species: protecting one species that needs a large, intact habitat so that many other species sharing that habitat are also safeguarded. Grizzly bears require broad, connected landscapes across mountains, forests, and meadows with plenty of wild food and minimal human disturbance. Because their survival depends on maintaining large tracts of undisturbed habitat and ecosystem connectivity, actions that conserve and connect those lands effectively protect a wide array of other plants and animals that live in the same environments. The other animals listed don’t typically serve as umbrella species in the same way: the platypus is tied to specific aquatic Australian habitats, the red fox is highly adaptable and can persist in disturbed areas, and kangaroos vary by region and ecological niche, so protecting them doesn’t automatically safeguard such large swaths of ecosystem.

The idea here is an umbrella species: protecting one species that needs a large, intact habitat so that many other species sharing that habitat are also safeguarded. Grizzly bears require broad, connected landscapes across mountains, forests, and meadows with plenty of wild food and minimal human disturbance. Because their survival depends on maintaining large tracts of undisturbed habitat and ecosystem connectivity, actions that conserve and connect those lands effectively protect a wide array of other plants and animals that live in the same environments. The other animals listed don’t typically serve as umbrella species in the same way: the platypus is tied to specific aquatic Australian habitats, the red fox is highly adaptable and can persist in disturbed areas, and kangaroos vary by region and ecological niche, so protecting them doesn’t automatically safeguard such large swaths of ecosystem.