Beetles in the Appalachian Ecosystem

What is a beetle?

• An insect with a soft shell and two legs

• An insect with a hard shell, six legs, and two sets of wings

• A type of bird found in the Appalachian region

• A plant that helps clean the environment

Beetles belong to the order ________, which includes more species than any other insect group.

• Coleoptera

• Lepidoptera

• Diptera

• Hymenoptera

Which of the following is NOT a role of beetles in the Appalachian ecosystem?

• Breaking down dead trees

• Recycling nutrients

• Pollinating flowers

• Controlling pest populations

The relationship where ground beetles eat pests and are then eaten by birds and mammals is an example of _________

• symbiosis

• photosynthesis

• evaporation

• pollination

What is one major threat to beetles in the Appalachian region?

• Overpopulation

• Climate change

• Too much food

• Lack of water

The emerald ash borer is an invasive species that is killing ash trees across Appalachia.

• True

• False

Why are beetles important to the Appalachian ecosystem?

• They clean, recycle, and control pest populations, helping keep the ecosystem healthy and balanced.

• They are the main food source for all large mammals in the region.

• They are responsible for pollinating all flowering plants in the Appalachian Mountains.

• They create large underground tunnels that cause soil erosion.

According to the passage, why are beetles considered important in the Appalachian region?

• They are dangerous predators

• They help keep the region healthy by maintaining balance and biodiversity

• They are the largest insects

• They only eat plants

What is the scientific name of the American Carrion Beetle?

• Cicindela ancocisconensis

• Necrophila americana

• Anoplophora glabripennis

• Harmonia axyridis

The Appalachian Tiger Beetle is a fast, fierce predator found in cool, forested stream banks of the ________ Mountains.

• Appalachian

• Rocky

• Andes

• Himalayan