Cover of the textbook Performer B2 - Student's Book

The key answer of exercise 2

The key to exercise solutions in chapter 6 - Speaking for the textbook Performer B2 - Student's Book with authors Marina Spiazzi, Marina Tavella, Margaret Layton from Zanichelli

Question

Look at the pictures and discuss why these species are important.

Answer

Monkey

  • Ecological Role: Monkeys play a crucial role in many ecosystems as seed dispersers. They consume fruits and then disperse the seeds through their feces, which helps in the regeneration of forests and maintaining plant diversity.
  • Cultural Significance: Monkeys are often revered in many cultures and hold symbolic importance. They feature prominently in folklore, mythology, and spiritual beliefs of various communities around the world.
  • Economic Value: In some regions, monkeys contribute to ecotourism by attracting visitors interested in wildlife viewing. This can provide economic benefits to local communities through tourism revenue.

Bat

  • Pollination and Seed Dispersal: Bats are vital pollinators for many plants, including economically important crops such as bananas, mangoes, and agave (used to make tequila). They also disperse seeds of various plants, contributing to forest regeneration and maintaining plant diversity.
  • Pest Control: Many bat species are voracious insect-eaters, helping to control populations of agricultural pests and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
  • Ecosystem Health: Bats play a key role in maintaining the health of ecosystems they inhabit. Their decline can have cascading effects on other species and ecosystem processes.

Bee

  • Pollination: Bees are perhaps best known for their role as pollinators. They play a crucial role in the reproduction of many flowering plants, including numerous food crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It's estimated that about one-third of the world's food supply depends on pollination by bees.
  • Biodiversity: Bees contribute to the diversity of plant species by facilitating cross-pollination. This helps maintain healthy ecosystems and supports the variety of life forms that depend on them.
  • Economic Importance: Bees are also economically important. Beyond their role in food production, they are integral to the pollination of crops grown for fiber, medicinal products, and animal feed.

In summary, each of these species plays a critical role in ecosystem functioning, biodiversity conservation, and often has cultural or economic significance. Protecting these species is not only essential for their survival but also for maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems and the well-being of human societies.