Population Dynamics
Food Web Fallout
Environmental Impacts
Ecosystem Stability
Miscellaneous
100
If the hawk population increase 3 times its original size, what would likely happen the to vole, frog and thrush population.
The population size would decrease.
100
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.
100
Which of the following is NOT an environmental change that threatens species:
climate change, habitat destruction, seasonal migration, pollution?
Seasonal Migration
100
What does it mean for an ecosystem to be stable?
It maintains balance among populations and resources.
100
Give an example of how an invasive species can change an ecosystem.
Zebra mussels clog waterways and outcompete native mussels in U.S. lakes.
Kudzu kills native plants
200
If all the grass in this ecosystem were destroyed by a forest firest, how would the ant population be affected?
It would decrease
200
What would happen if decomposers were removed from the food web?
Nutrients wouldn't be returned to the soil, and waste would accumulate.
200
How does temperature change affect species adapted to cold climates if the temperature increases in that location?
It can cause habitat loss and population decline.
200
How does the loss of producers affect ecosystem stability?
It reduces food availability and destabilizes the food web.
200
What is deforestation?
The removal of large areas of forest, often for farming or development.
300
During hunting season, if the fox population is heavily reduced, what impact would that have on the frog population?
They would increase.
300
If producers die off, how does that affect consumers?
Consumers would have less food, leading to population decline and an unstable population.
300
How can human activity disrupt ecosystem balance?
Through pollution, habitat destruction, and introducing invasive species.
300
What happens when invasive species enter an ecosystem?
They outcompete native species and disrupt balance.
300
How can planting native plants help local ecosystems?
They support native wildlife and help maintain ecological balance.
400
What would happen to the slug population if the brown thrasher bird moved into the ecosystem and also began eating slugs? Explain your reasoning.
The slug population would decrease because they have more consumers/ predators and it would cause competition between the thrush and the brown thrasher.
400
What would happen if an organisms predator leaves the ecosystem?
That organisms population would increase
400
What is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?
A resource or condition that restricts population growth.
400
How do changes in resource availability affect population size?
Populations may increase or decrease depending on resource abundance.
400
How does water pollution affect aquatic food webs?
It can kill producers and consumers, disrupting the entire food chain.
500
What is the term for the maximum number of individuals an environment can support?
Carrying Capacity
500
What is the impact on stability when a key species is removed?
The ecosystem becomes unstable and may collapse.
500
What is one major consequence of overfishing in marine ecosystems?
It reduces fish populations, disrupts food chains, and can lead to the collapse of marine ecosystems.
500
What are some solutions to reduce the harmful effects of overfishing on marine ecosystems?
Solutions include enforcing fishing limits, creating marine protected areas, using sustainable fishing practices, and banning harmful gear like bottom trawls.
500
What are some ways humans can help protect endangered species?
Creating protected areas, enforcing hunting laws, and restoring habitats.