Final answer:
The herd at the old Seneca Army Depot consists of white-tailed deer, which are a species of mammals native to the Americas. They are characterized by a white underside of their tail and play a significant role in their ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to a herd of white-tailed deer found at the old Seneca Army Depot between Ithaca and Geneva, NY. White-tailed deer are a species of mammals known for their distinctive white underside to their tail, which they display prominently when alarmed. As mammals, white-tailed deer are warm-blooded vertebrates that have body hair, give live birth, and the females produce milk to feed their young. These deer are native to the Americas and are a common sight across a range of habitats including forests, farmlands, and sometimes suburban areas.
The herd in this location is likely composed of a mixture of male deer, also called bucks, which can be identified by their antlers, and female deer, or does, as well as their offspring, which are known as fawns. The white-tailed deer play a crucial role in the ecosystem as browsers, feeding on a wide variety of vegetation, and as prey for larger predators.
Examining such a herd provides an opportunity for students to learn more about mammalian biology, animal behavior, ecology, and the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts.