Life as we know it
The 2 factors that are used to measure species biodiversity. (Diversity Index)
What is species richness and species evenness (aka relative abundance)?
The range of abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species actually lives.
What is a realized niche?
What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession? BONUS* List an additional difference
What is...
primary succession starts with no soil and secondary succesion starts with soil ...?
BONUS* It takes longer to reach a climax community.
primary - no soil and takes longer to reach a climax community
Products obtained from nature that humans can use such as lumber, medicines and food crops are
A trait that improves a individuals ability to survive and reproduce (aka their fitness)
What is an adaptation?
According to the theory of island biogeography, what type of island would have the fewest number of different species?
What is an island FAR from the mainland and SMALL in size
What are THREE abiotic factors that a species might experience a range of tolerance for?
pH, sunlight, temperature
What happens when lightning strikes a forest and burns all the low lying plants.
What is secondary succession?
What are two examples of cultural services that a freshwater lake ecosystem provides?
What is recreation, tourism, mental health, spiritual health?
How do slight changes in Earth's orbit impact changes in the atmosphere?
By altering the amount of solar radiation reaching the planet.
Ecosystem A has 5 different species with the following abundances: A - 20%, B - 30%, C - 20%, D - 20%, and E 10%
Ecosystem B has 5 different species with the following abundances: A - 5% B - 25% C - 25%, D - 35%, and E 10%
The ecosystem with the higher biodiversity. State Why.
What is ecosystem A because the abundance of each species is more evenly distributed?
Another word for ecological tolerance
What is fundamental niche?
What is primary succession?
Human waste is often dumped in the ocean. Microbial organisms in marine ecosystems can break down organic waste into less harmful components.
What is a regulating service?
The 2 reasons why genetic diversity is so important within a population.
What is...
1. Higher probability for favorable mutations to arise.
2. Better ability to adapt in the event of a disturbance (ecological resilience)
What are the 3 categories that would be found on a range of tolerance graph?
optimal range
zone of physiological stress
zone of intolerance
Describe how the introduction of at least 2 different pioneer species and HOW they impact the formation of soil during primary succession.
Lichens - create soil from breaking down rock.
Mosses - decay to create a thin layer of soil with few nutrients.
What are 2 regulating services that a forest ecosystem provides?
climate regulation (absorbs carbon from the atmosphere)
soil formation
The difference between a generalist and a specialist species?
Generalist - can survive a wide range of environmental conditions or eat a variety of food
A specialist can only survive in a very narrow range of conditions or only eats one type of food
5 reasons why decreasing biodiversity is harmful to humans.
Answers may vary.
Examples: Reduced food sources, reduced medicines, climate change, and erosion and flooding
Explain how population fluctuates between the zones on a range of tolerance graph AND explain what that means for individual organisms.
Optimal - grow and reproduce (numerous individuals)
Stress - survive (few individuals)
Intolerance - death (no individuals)
The final stage of succession
Pollinators such as this honeybee on a cherry tree play an essential role in ensuring the pollination of food crops
What is a support system?
What is founder's effect?