card 7 RED

SPECTRUM

Rabbit

1. Species and Family

Common Name: Rabbit (covers many species)
Scientific Family: Leporidae (hares and rabbits)
Includes about 30 species; the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the ancestor of most domestic breeds.

2. Appearance

Small to medium-sized mammals, body length 8–20 inches (20–50 cm), weight 1–5 lbs (0.45–2.3 kg) depending on species.
Long ears (up to 4 inches/10 cm) for detecting predators, large hind legs for hopping, and a short fluffy tail.
Fur color varies by species — can be brown, gray, white, black, or mixed.

3. Habitat and Range

Found worldwide except in Antarctica and some remote islands.
Live in meadows, grasslands, woodlands, forests, and deserts.
Many species dig burrow systems (warrens) for shelter.

4. Social Life and Behaviour

Social animals that often live in groups for safety.
Communicate using thumps of their hind legs, scent marking, and a range of body postures.
Crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk to avoid predators.

5. Diet

Herbivores eating grass, clover, leafy weeds, bark, and garden vegetables.
Practice coprophagy — re-eating certain soft droppings to extract more nutrients from their high-fiber diet.

6. Role in the Ecosystem

Important prey for predators such as foxes, hawks, eagles, owls, and coyotes.
Help shape plant communities through grazing.
Contribute to soil aeration with their burrowing.

7. Relationship with Humans

Kept as pets, farmed for meat, fur, and laboratory research.
In some regions, considered pests for damaging crops.
Symbolic in many cultures — often linked to fertility, spring, and luck.

8. Fun Fact

A rabbit’s teeth never stop growing — they can grow up to 4–5 inches (10–12 cm) per year but are worn down by constant chewing.

plant(heart/diamond)

Pumpkin Water Chestnut

Type: Aquatic perennial plant.

Needles: None – has grass-like, narrow stems instead of leaves.

Lifespan: Perennial; tubers can survive multiple years underwater.

Habitat: Shallow freshwater ponds, rivers, and wetlands in Asia and cultivated worldwide.

Uses: Edible tubers eaten raw, boiled, or in desserts; used in traditional Asian cuisine.

Adaptations: Grows in flooded conditions; tubers store nutrients to survive winter or dry periods.

Ecological Role: Provides habitat and food for aquatic animals and waterfowl.

Fun fact: Despite the name, pumpkin water chestnuts are not related to pumpkins—they’re aquatic tubers!

Beech Tree

Type: Deciduous tree.

Needles: None – has smooth, oval leaves with toothed edges.

Lifespan: Typically 200–300 years; some live over 400 years.

Habitat: Native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America; prefers well-drained, fertile soils.

Uses: Furniture, flooring, firewood, ornamental landscaping, and food from nuts (beechnuts).

Adaptations: Shade-tolerant seedlings; smooth bark protects against some pests.

Ecological Role: Provides nuts for wildlife, shelter for birds and mammals, and contributes to forest soil health.

Fun fact: Beech nuts are edible and were historically used as a coffee substitute in Europe!

hockey team (heart/diamond)

Tampa Bay Lightning

Team Name: Tampa Bay Lightning
Founded: The team was established in 1992 as an NHL expansion franchise.
City: Based in Tampa, Florida, USA since their founding.

Biggest Achievement:

The Lightning have won the Stanley Cup three times: in 2004, 2020, and 2021.
They are known for their skilled roster and fast-paced, offensive style of play in recent years.

Activities in the City (Tampa, Florida, USA):

Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – A theme park with thrilling roller coasters, live shows, and a large African-themed zoo.
Explore Tampa Riverwalk – Stroll along the scenic waterfront with parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Tour Ybor City – Discover Tampa’s historic Cuban district with vibrant nightlife, shops, and cigar factories.
Relax at Clearwater or nearby Gulf Beaches – Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports on beautiful sandy beaches.

Boston Bruins

Team Name: Boston Bruins
Founded: The Bruins were founded in 1924, making them the first American team in the NHL.
City: Based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA since their founding.