The Importance of Oak Trees for Wildlife

What important role do oak trees play for animals?

a. Insect pests can cause terrible damage to full-grown oak trees.

b. The features of oak trees benefit the places where they grow.

c. Oak trees provide a very important food source for animals.

d. The height of an oak tree is its most important feature.

Answer:

The main idea developed in both passages, "The Northern Red Oak" and "The Hardy Live Oak," is that oak trees provide a very important food source for animals. The correct option is c.

Oak trees play a crucial role in providing food for various animals in their ecosystem. Particularly, oak trees, such as the live oak trees mentioned in the passages, produce acorns that serve as a vital food source for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.

Acorns are not only consumed by animals in their natural habitat, but they can also be utilized to feed livestock, further showcasing the significance of oak trees in supporting diverse forms of life. Additionally, oak tree leaves are essential in providing food for caterpillars, contributing to the intricate food chain within the ecosystem.

The passages emphasize how oak trees, aside from being a food source, also offer shelter for birds and other wildlife with their branches. This dual role of providing food and shelter highlights the invaluable contribution of oak trees to supporting the well-being of animals and maintaining the ecological balance in their surroundings.