Module 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Given that hunters didn't kill all the wolves, what's the best explanation for why the wolf population in Yellowstone die out?

the population dropped below the minimum viable population size

We depict the trophic levels of an ecosystem as a pyramid because:

there is less biomass at each subsequent level so they get progressively smaller

In this example, the woodpeckers are considered______.

a keystone species

The maximum population size that a particular environment can support indefinitely is the _____.

carrying capacity

Biomes are defined as distinctive types of ecosystems determined by___.

climatic factors such as precipitation and temperature

What's the purpose of photosynthesis?

conversion of solar energy to chemical energy that can be stored and used by cells

Which Yellowstone species has the highest biotic population?

deer mice

For each change, identify the cycle(s) that are impacted: deforestation, fossil fuel combustion, fertilization, mining

deforestation: carbon cycle fossil fuel combustion: carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle fertilization: nitrogen cycle and phosphorus cycle mining: phosphorus cycle

What's the number of tertiary consumers in this community?

5

Arrange the levels of the horned lizard's ecological hierarchy from most inclusive to most specific.

desert biome, Sonoran Desert ecosystem, desert scrub community, horned lizard population, individual horned lizard

Classify each component that could be found in a tropic coral reef ecosystem as either a biotic or an abiotic factor.

Biotic: stingray, parrotfish, scuba diver, sea turtle Abiotic: fishinng net, salt water, dissolved carbon dioxide, water temperature

Determine the symbiotic relationships.

Commensalism: cattle egret and cattle; hermit crabs and snails Mutualism: Galapagos tortoise and finches; bullhorn acacia and ants Parasitism: coralroot orchid and pine; ticks and humans; Leoclchoridium worm and snail

Classify organisms undergoing photosynthesis, respiration, or both.

photosynthesis: none respiration: carnivores, herbivores, omnivores both: plants, algae, trees

What 's the best explanation for why density independent factors don't predictably regulate population size?

Density independent factors are typically abiotic and chaotic in nature

How does exponential growth differ from logistic growth?

Exponential growth results in a J-shaped curve, whereas logistic growth results in an S-shaped curve. Exponential growth occurs when the population is at a biotic potential, whereas logistic growth is limited by the carrying capacity of the environment.

Determine if each of the statements describes a J or S-shaped curve or the term K.

J-Shaped: exponential growth and population that doubles S-Shaped: logistic growth and population whose size is approaching the carrying capacity of the environment. K: carrying capacity and population size that a particular environment can support indefinitely without long-term damage to the environment.

What are the limiting and nonlimiting factors for the saguaro cactus?

Limiting: extreme drought conditions, harsh freezing temperatures, absence of nurse plants Nonlimiting: presence of gilded flickers

Select the statement that describes keystone species and its role in the ecosystem.

Mangrove trees ha a complex root system that provides shoreline stabilization and shelter form any species of fish

What are defining features of a keystone species?

Many species depend on keystone species for unique ecological services that they provide; keystone species impact the ecological community to a greater extent than their population numbers would suggest.

Divide the organisms between consumers and producers.

Producers: green algae, seaweed, switchgrass, oak tree Consumers: swallowtail caterpillars, orca, mushrooms, elephants, raccoon

Which of the following would be considered an ecosystem?

The Everglades Swamp

Determine if the factors are top-down or bottom-up regulation.

Top-down: predation bu ferrets, coyotes, and hawks; eradication by humans; infection with plague Bottom-up: wet year resulting in an increase in grass for forage; land use changed from agriculture to grassland

What is a problem with a population density that is too low?

difficulty finding mates

Species in a community can coexist in the same habitat while using the same resources because _______.

each species occupies its own unique niche

Does the habitat fragmentation favor core species or edge species?

edge species; because habitat fragmentation reduces core habitat and increases the amount of edge habitat

Place the species in all the habitats that it regularly utilizes.

forest: fox, deer, Abert's squirrel, nuthatch ecotone: fox, deer, trent caterpillar, towhee savannah: fox, deer, prairie dog, meadowlark

Compared to the forest near the school, the national forest has_____.

greater species richness and evenness

Which of the following environmental factors likely led to the exponential growth seen in fireweed after the Yellowstone wildfire?

increase in habitat, nutrient, sunlight and decrease in competition from other animals

A species that is vulnerable to ecosystem changes and provides advance warning of a problem in that ecosystem is a/an _____.

indicator species

What's the reason that ecological success is important?

it allows damaged areas to repair themselves

An important conclusion drawn from the initial Biosphere 2 project was that _____.

it is difficult to predict all of the interactions in biogeochemical cycles

How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

it reduces the amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere

Which items are apart of the Arctic tundra ecological community?

lichens, caribou and grizzly bears, tundra plants including blueberries and birch

Energy on Earth must be constantly _____ because energy _____ of the biosphere. Matter on Earth must be constantly ____because matter____ of the biosphere.

renewed; flows in and out recycled; does not flow in and out

Feeding on different levels of the tree with different bird species is an example of what?

resource partioning

Arrange the species in order from most r-selected to most k-selected species.

sunflower, deer mouse, mule deer, mountain lion, ponderosa pines

Why are the wolves in the Northern Rockies, Great Lakes, and Southwest considered to be different populations?

the 3 populations are geographically separated and unable to interact or interbreed

Which population would have the greatest chance of being able to adapt to an environmental changes?

the one with the widest range of tolerance.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a niche generalist?

uses a wide variety of resources

Ecosystems need to rely on a form of energy that is continuously supplied because ____.

when energy is used by one organism, it is converted to a form that is not useful to others.

Under what condition might exponential population growth occur?

when there is a sudden influence of a new food source.

What's the conclusion regarding the effect of the wolf reintroduction on the abundance of elk?

wolves apply predation pressure on the elk but they aren't the only cause of the decrease in the elk population