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Food
at the Overwintering Sites?
Here
is a unique feature of the monarch's winter habitat:
Rather
than provide food for millions upon millions of butterflies for
five months, its cool temperatures allow monarchs to SAVE energy.
Survival of the Fattest
Running out of fat is a common cause of death. "Monarchs that
you see littering the ground have usually starved to death,"
says Dr. Calvert. |
| Habitat |
| The
place and conditions where all of an organism’s needs
for life are met.
Food,
water, shelter and space are key components of an organism’s
habitat. |
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No
Food for Five Months! But How Do Scientists Know?
Scientists say that the monarchs can survive all winter eating little
or no food at all. Yet no scientist
has ever watched a butterfly for the full overwintering season.
Follow
the links below for further reading. As you read:
- Ask
yourself, "How do scientists know?"
- Look
for the evidence that supports this amazing theory.
- Also
look for holes in the theory!
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Further
Reading
Is Nectar
Important in the Monarch's Overwintering Habitat?
Journaling
Questions
- If it
is true that monarchs do not eat while they are in Mexico, then when
and where DID they get the food energy that they are burning now?
- A monarch
tag weighs 10 mg. How many times that weight does the average monarch
lose by the end of the overwintering season?
- If your
weight were to change this much between November and April, how much
would you weigh today?
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2006 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
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