Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

How do beavers utilize the trees they cut down?

1. Only for food

2. For building materials and food

3. To create shade for their lodges

4. As nesting sites for other birds

The correct answer is: For building materials and food

Beavers are known for their impressive engineering skills, and they utilize the trees they cut down in multiple ways. Primarily, they use the wood from these trees both as a food source and as building materials. The bark and leaves of trees are an important part of their diet, particularly during the warmer months when they are more active. Beavers are herbivores, and tree species such as aspen, willow, and birch are among their favorites due to their nutritional value. In addition to consuming the bark and branches, beavers also use the felled trees to construct their dams and lodges. The construction of dams helps in creating ponds that provide a safe aquatic environment, while lodges offer shelter from predators. The combination of food and material sourcing from the trees illustrates their adaptability and resourcefulness in their habitat, emphasizing the importance of trees in their survival and activity within the ecosystem. Other options do not represent the primary uses beavers have for trees. For example, while they create lodges and dams for protection, these structures are not primarily about shade, and any negative impact on local bird populations or nesting sites is not a central aspect of beaver tree usage.