Biome Busters
What two major factors determine the type of biome in an area?
Temperature and precipitation.
What is the leading cause of species extinction today?
Habitat destruction
What is the difference between a generalist and a specialist species?
Generalists have broad niches, specialists have narrow niches.
What was Charles Darwin’s key contribution to evolutionary theory?
The theory of natural selection.
What is the goal of the Endangered Species Act?
To protect and recover imperiled species and their habitats.
What is the primary difference between a tundra and a desert biome?
Tundras are cold with low biodiversity, while deserts are hot (or cold) with minimal precipitation.
Why is ocean acidification dangerous to marine life?
It reduces calcium carbonate, weakening coral reefs and shellfish.
Why are amphibians considered a "canary in the coal mine" for ecosystems?
Their permeable skin makes them highly sensitive to pollution and climate change.
How does adaptive radiation contribute to biodiversity?
It allows one species to evolve into multiple species, each adapted to different niches.
What is an example of sustainable agriculture?
Crop rotation to maintain soil health.
Name two biomes with the highest biodiversity.
Tropical rainforest and coral reefs.
What is an example of an invasive species that has severely impacted an ecosystem?
The Asian long-horned beetle (damages trees in North America), oriental bittersweet, green iguana, nutria rat or Japanese knotweed
What is one example of a mutualistic relationship in nature?
Bees pollinating flowers while gathering nectar.
What is an example of co-evolution?
Predators and prey evolving together (e.g., cheetahs and gazelles).
What is the difference between preservation and conservation?
Preservation keeps ecosystems untouched; conservation manages resources responsibly.
How do biomes change with increasing altitude?
They transition similarly to how they change with latitude (e.g., forest to tundra).
How do oil spills affect marine biodiversity?
They poison marine life, damage habitats, and reduce oxygen levels in the water.
What is the difference between an r-selected and K-selected species?
r-selected species reproduce quickly with many offspring; K-selected species have fewer offspring with more parental care.
Why is genetic drift important in small populations?
It can lead to a loss of genetic diversity, making populations more vulnerable to extinction.
What is rewilding, and how does it benefit ecosystems?
Restoring natural processes by reintroducing species (e.g., wolves in Yellowstone).
What biome is most at risk due to climate change and why?
The Arctic tundra, because rising temperatures are melting permafrost and endangering species.
What is the relationship between climate change and the frequency of natural disasters?
Climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires).
Name a species that has been saved from extinction due to conservation efforts.
The American alligator, California condor and the black-footed ferret
What is the bottleneck effect in evolution?
A drastic reduction in population size reduces genetic variation.
What is the significance of CITES?
It regulates international trade of endangered species to prevent exploitation.