Community Ecology Overview
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Questions and Answers

What does species richness measure?

  • The relative abundance of different species
  • The interactions between different species
  • The total number of individuals in a community
  • The number of species present in an area (correct)

    • Which hypothesis emphasizes the role of abiotic factors in species success?

  • Community Structure Hypothesis
  • Interactive Hypothesis
  • Coexistence Hypothesis
  • Individualistic Hypothesis (correct)

    • What is a keystone predator's role in an ecosystem?

  • It primarily feeds on plants to maintain balance
  • It controls the population of prey species (correct)
  • It has no significant effect on biodiversity
  • It competes for resources with other apex predators

    • In which interaction does one organism benefit while the other is harmed?

    <p>Parasitism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of coloration involves an organism blending in with its environment?

    <p>Cryptic Coloration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes mutualism?

    <p>Both organisms benefit from the relationship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which interaction involves competition for limited resources?

    <p>Interspecific Interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does species diversity take into account?

    <p>The relative abundance of each species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of interaction occurs when one species kills and consumes another?

    <p>Predation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does not typically influence species richness in a given area?

    <p>Distance from predators</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is species diversity primarily concerned with?

    <p>The number of species and their relative abundance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the Interactive Hypothesis?

    <p>It emphasizes interactions between living organisms in determining community structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of interspecific interaction can result in one species being harmed while the other benefits?

    <p>Predation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of commensalism?

    <p>Barnacles attaching to a whale without affecting it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do keystone predators help maintain in an ecosystem?

    <p>Population control and biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which interaction describes organisms competing for limited resources?

    <p>Competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do cryptic coloration and aposematic coloration play in an organism's survival?

    <p>They serve as warning signals for toxicity and danger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Individualistic Hypothesis suggest about species composition?

    <p>It depends on the abiotic factors that suit individual species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are abiotic factors characterized in community ecology?

    <p>They refer to non-living components of the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of symbiotic interaction involves both organisms benefiting?

    <p>Mutualism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of Batesian mimicry?

    <p>Involves a harmless species mimicking a toxic species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following examples illustrates Müllerian mimicry?

    <p>Monarch and viceroy butterflies having similar appearances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way plants defend themselves against herbivores?

    <p>By producing chemicals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of competition outlined in the content?

    <p>Direct and indirect competition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the competitive exclusion principle, what generally happens to two species with overlapping niches?

    <p>One species will outcompete the other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scientist demonstrated the competitive exclusion principle through experiments with Paramecia?

    <p>Gause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What allows species to coexist despite having overlapping niches?

    <p>Altering niches or shifting resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key takeaway regarding interactions between species?

    <p>They can shape community structure and biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT a function of plant defenses?

    <p>Emitting scents to attract herbivores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately defines exploitative competition?

    <p>Indirect competition through resource depletion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of symbiosis?

    <p>A long-term interaction between two species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the interactive hypothesis?

    <p>The interactions among species within a community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of mimicry involves a harmless species mimicking a harmful species?

    <p>Batesian mimicry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of competition involves direct interactions between organisms over resources?

    <p>Interference competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to the predator's ability to maintain biodiversity in a community?

    <p>Keystone predator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does species diversity measure?

    <p>The variety and relative abundance of species in an area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does cryptic coloration help an organism achieve?

    <p>Blend in with the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In community ecology, what is the definition of species richness?

    <p>The number of different species in a community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of parasitism?

    <p>A tapeworm living in the intestines of a mammal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the competitive exclusion principle state?

    <p>No two species can occupy the same niche indefinitely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is emphasized by the Interactive Hypothesis in community ecology?

    <p>The interactions between competing species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of competition is characterized by direct interactions over resources?

    <p>Interference competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of mimicry is described when a harmless species imitates a harmful one?

    <p>Batesian mimicry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of symbiosis entail?

    <p>Long-term interactions between different species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary effect of the absence of a keystone predator in an ecosystem?

    <p>Greater competition among prey species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adaptation helps an organism avoid detection by predators?

    <p>Cryptic coloration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of mutualism between two species?

    <p>Both species benefit from the interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common trait associated with aposematic coloration in organisms?

    <p>Bright colors to signal toxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to species diversity in a community?

    <p>Both the number and relative abundance of species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between species richness and species diversity?

    <p>Species diversity includes relative abundance of species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does removing a keystone predator typically affect an ecosystem?

    <p>Leads to an overpopulation of certain prey species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do abiotic factors play in the individualistic hypothesis?

    <p>They are the primary determinants of community composition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

    <p>A bird cleaning a crocodile's teeth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of aposematic coloration in organisms?

    <p>To signal to predators that they are toxic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major characteristic of parasitism in symbiotic relationships?

    <p>One species is harmed while the other benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of mimicry involves a harmless species mimicking a harmful one?

    <p>Batesian mimicry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic do mutualistic relationships frequently exhibit?

    <p>Both species involved derive benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does competition in community ecology generally involve?

    <p>Different species vying for limited resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Müllerian mimicry involve?

    <p>Multiple harmful species resembling each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a chemical defense mechanism used by plants?

    <p>Producing toxins or unpalatable substances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines interference competition among species?

    <p>Direct interactions like fighting over resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the Competitive Exclusion Principle, what is likely to happen when two species compete for the same resource?

    <p>One species may outcompete and lead to extinction of the other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What experiment did Gause conduct to illustrate the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

    <p>Studying different species of Paramecium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that can alter the outcome of competition between species?

    <p>Changes in available resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can physical defenses in plants deter herbivores?

    <p>By forming thorns, spines, or tough leaves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during exploitative competition?

    <p>Indirect competition for shared resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of the Competitive Exclusion Principle in ecology?

    <p>Extinction of the less efficient species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of chemical defenses in plants?

    <p>To make the plant unpalatable or harmful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term species richness specifically refer to?

    <p>The number of different species present in a community</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does environmental moisture levels relate to species richness?

    <p>Increased moisture levels correlate with higher species richness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key role does a keystone predator play in an ecosystem?

    <p>It helps maintain biodiversity by controlling key prey populations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does interspecific competition differ from intraspecific competition?

    <p>Interspecific competition involves different species competing for resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does mutualism entail in a symbiotic relationship?

    <p>Both species benefit from their interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the individualistic hypothesis explain species distribution?

    <p>Species presence depends largely on individual species' tolerances to abiotic conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which interaction is considered parasitism?

    <p>A tapeworm living in a human intestine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common defense mechanism employed by prey to evade predators?

    <p>Cryptic coloration that allows blending in with surroundings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the interactive hypothesis in community ecology?

    <p>It emphasizes the role of biotic interactions in shaping community structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is likely to influence the species composition within a community according to the interactive hypothesis?

    <p>Species interactions such as predation and competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of community ecology, what does the term symbiosis refer to?

    <p>Close and enduring interactions between different species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the individualistic hypothesis explain the presence of species in a community?

    <p>It states that species presence is conditioned primarily by abiotic factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect can the removal of a keystone predator have on a community?

    <p>It often results in a decrease in biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What form of interspecific interaction involves one organism benefiting at the expense of another?

    <p>Parasitism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following metrics is used to analyze community structure?

    <p>Species richness and species diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of competition between different species for resources?

    <p>Reduced availability of resources for both species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes predation?

    <p>A direct interaction where one species consumes another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does species diversity play in ecosystem stability?

    <p>It contributes to the resilience and functionality of ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines commensalism in ecological relationships?

    <p>One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of aposematic coloration?

    <p>To warn predators of the organism's toxicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes Batesian mimicry?

    <p>A harmless species mimics a toxic species to gain protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best characterizes interference competition?

    <p>Species engage in direct interactions, such as aggression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the competitive exclusion principle?

    <p>The less successful species will eventually become extinct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes exploitative competition?

    <p>Species consume resources before competitors can.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of cryptic coloration?

    <p>To blend into the environment and avoid detection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during mutualism?

    <p>Both species benefit from the interaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of Müllerian mimicry?

    <p>Multiple toxic species resembling each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which relationship do parasites thrive?

    <p>By obtaining nutrients at the host's expense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of commensalism?

    <p>One organism benefits while the other is unaffected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of coloration indicates a species is toxic or unpleasant?

    <p>Aposematic Coloration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a plant's physical defense against herbivores?

    <p>Developing thorns or spines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is typical of parasitism?

    <p>The parasite benefits while the host is harmed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adaptation helps organisms to avoid predator detection?

    <p>Cryptic coloration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do secondary compounds in plants typically do?

    <p>Deter herbivores with toxicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of mimicry involves a harmless species imitating a toxic one?

    <p>Batesian Mimicry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines species diversity in a community?

    <p>Both the number of species and their relative abundance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is primarily associated with the Individualistic Hypothesis?

    <p>The significance of abiotic factors and chance events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which interaction describes organisms using resources in a way that limits their availability to others?

    <p>Exploitative competition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do keystone predators have on an ecosystem?

    <p>Enhance species diversity by controlling prey populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of community ecology?

    <p>The relationships among various populations of different species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to the interactions that occur between individuals of different species?

    <p>Interspecific interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do areas with higher rainfall typically affect species richness?

    <p>They lead to higher species richness due to favorable conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of interference competition?

    <p>Aggressive interactions between competing individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition best describes a community with greater stability and balance?

    <p>High species richness with substantial populations of diverse species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is considered a reason why arrival timing impacts community composition?

    <p>It affects the reproductive strategies of established species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of relationship benefits one organism while the other is neither harmed nor helped?

    <p>Commensalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does species diversity contribute to ecosystem stability?

    <p>By balancing the representation of multiple species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the keystone predator's role in an ecosystem?

    <p>It controls prey populations and enhances diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hypothesis emphasizes the significance of chance events in community composition?

    <p>Individualistic hypothesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method organisms use to evade predators in their environment?

    <p>Cryptic coloration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is species richness primarily concerned with?

    <p>Total number of species in a community</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of symbiotic relationships, which scenario illustrates parasitism?

    <p>A tick feeding on a dog's blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of symbiotic relationship occurs when both species benefit from the interaction?

    <p>Mutualism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor typically increases species richness in a community?

    <p>Abundant rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines Batesian mimicry?

    <p>A harmless species mimics a harmful one.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes Müllerian mimicry?

    <p>Multiple harmful species share a common warning signal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of plant defenses?

    <p>To prevent herbivory and deter damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes interference competition?

    <p>Direct aggression or territorial defense over resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is exploitative competition characterized by?

    <p>Indirect competition for shared resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Gause demonstrate the competitive exclusion principle?

    <p>Using Paramecium species in controlled experiments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best defines an ecological niche?

    <p>The role or function of a species in its ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is aposematic coloration primarily used for?

    <p>To advertise toxicity to potential predators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main outcome when two species have identical ecological niches?

    <p>One species will thrive while the other becomes extinct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does bottom-up control in community structure imply?

    <p>Producers determine the types of consumers present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of larger preserves for species diversity?

    <p>They can host a wider variety of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the species-area curve indicate about larger areas?

    <p>They support more species, particularly at smaller scales.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does habitat fragmentation primarily affect species diversity?

    <p>It generally reduces species diversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of habitat corridors on fragmented ecosystems?

    <p>They can help restore ecosystem function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact do predators have in top-down control of community structure?

    <p>They lower prey species' abundance through predation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the flattening of the species-area curve represent?

    <p>A slowed increase in species diversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does connectivity play in habitats?

    <p>It aids in promoting gene flow across populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do larger areas generally support higher species richness?

    <p>They host a greater variety of habitats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What outcome is commonly associated with the fragmentation of habitats?

    <p>It can lead to a loss of certain species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process minimizes competition between sympatric species by dividing resources?

    <p>Resource partitioning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

    <p>A fundamental niche is the potential role of a species, while a realized niche is the actual role occupied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is character displacement primarily driven by?

    <p>Natural selection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of secondary succession?

    <p>It occurs following a disturbance that leaves the soil intact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

    <p>10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is an example of a pioneer species in primary succession?

    <p>Lichen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do detritivores play in an ecosystem?

    <p>Decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ecological concept describes the changes in species composition following a disturbance?

    <p>Ecological succession</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common outcome of character displacement among sympatric species?

    <p>Shift in average physical traits such as beak size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about energy flow in ecosystems is true?

    <p>Energy decreases significantly from one trophic level to the next.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do sympatric species typically minimize competition for resources?

    <p>Through resource partitioning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is character displacement primarily responsible for?

    <p>Reducing interspecific competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines an organism's realized niche?

    <p>The actual conditions an organism occupies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes primary succession?

    <p>Starts on bare rock and leads to soil development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the flow of energy through ecosystems?

    <p>Energy losses limit the length of food chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In ecological succession, what is the role of pioneer species?

    <p>They create conditions for later species to thrive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the climax community in ecological succession?

    <p>It is stable with long-lived species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of detritivores in an ecosystem?

    <p>To decompose dead organisms and recycle nutrients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does competition influence an organism's fundamental niche?

    <p>It can restrict the realized niche to a smaller portion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach could be used to understand community structure?

    <p>A bottom-up or top-down approach</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of detritivores in nutrient cycling?

    <p>Decompose dead organisms and release nutrients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the bottom-up control model primarily focus on?

    <p>Producers and their abundance in an ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the species-area curve demonstrate?

    <p>Species richness increases with habitat area until a plateau is reached</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major benefit of preserving larger areas of habitat?

    <p>Support for a wider variety of species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does habitat fragmentation affect species richness?

    <p>Reduces species richness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected outcome when applying the top-down control model?

    <p>It shows how top predators regulate prey populations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one method to mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation?

    <p>Creating wildlife corridors to connect habitats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to species richness as we move toward smaller habitat areas?

    <p>Species richness decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What trend is observed in the species-area curve as area increases?

    <p>Species richness initially rises and then plateaus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do detritivores contribute to ecosystem health?

    <p>By recycling nutrients from dead matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is character displacement primarily concerned with?

    <p>Shifts in species characteristics to reduce niche overlap</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the role of a fundamental niche?

    <p>It outlines the theoretical range of conditions for an organism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly defines ecological succession?

    <p>It describes the gradual change in community structure after a disturbance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During energy transfer, what percentage of energy typically moves from producers to herbivores?

    <p>10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of producers in an ecosystem?

    <p>They capture and convert energy for all other trophic levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of competitive exclusion?

    <p>It restricts the realized niche of a competing species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes secondary succession?

    <p>Regrowth of an ecosystem after a fire when soil remains intact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of resource partitioning, which situation illustrates this concept?

    <p>Fish in a coral reef feeding at different depths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of niche is defined as the actual role and space that an organism occupies?

    <p>Realized niche</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do climax communities serve in ecosystems?

    <p>They are long-lived and resistant to minor disturbances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to energy as it moves up the trophic levels in an ecosystem?

    <p>Energy loss is significant at each level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the bottom-up control model, what primarily influences the community structure?

    <p>The abundance of producers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do larger, interconnected habitats play in conservation?

    <p>They support a wider range of species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process contributes to energy loss in ecosystems?

    <p>Respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does habitat fragmentation affect biodiversity?

    <p>It limits the species richness of an area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant reason for energy loss as it moves through trophic levels?

    <p>Food becomes indigestible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does top-down control in community structure refer to?

    <p>Predators influence the distribution of higher trophic levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are food chains typically limited to five to six trophic levels?

    <p>Energy loss at each level restricts the number of levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of resource partitioning among sympatric species?

    <p>To minimize competition for similar resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes character displacement?

    <p>A process leading to divergence in species’ characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the fundamental niche represent in ecology?

    <p>The range of conditions an organism can theoretically occupy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term best describes the stable, long-lived community that is the final stage of ecological succession?

    <p>Climax community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is secondary succession?

    <p>Succession that occurs after a minor disturbance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation would primary succession occur?

    <p>After a volcanic eruption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which components are included in an organism's ecological niche?

    <p>Food sources, mating habits, habitat, and predators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the realized niche account for?

    <p>The impact of competitors and predators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning?

    <p>Warbler species feeding at different heights in a tree.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect does natural selection favor in the process of character displacement?

    <p>Traits that reduce competition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is resource partitioning primarily used to avoid?

    <p>Competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main distinction between primary and secondary ecological succession?

    <p>Secondary succession starts with soil present; primary starts from bare rock.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which trophic level captures the most energy in an ecosystem?

    <p>Producers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to energy as it moves up the trophic levels in a food web?

    <p>It is lost at each trophic level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of primary succession?

    <p>Lichens colonizing bare rock after a volcanic eruption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a climax community in ecological succession?

    <p>A stable, long-lived community at the end of succession</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of succession occurs after a disturbance that leaves soil intact?

    <p>Secondary succession</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

    <p>They play a part in nutrient cycling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key principle of the bottom-up approach to community structure?

    <p>Food resources influence community structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the Species-Area Curve significant in ecology?

    <p>It illustrates that larger habitats support more species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of habitat corridors in conservation efforts?

    <p>To connect fragmented habitats for movement and gene flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of top predators in a community?

    <p>Potential extinctions of lower trophic level species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does habitat size have on species richness according to the Species-Area Curve?

    <p>Species richness increases with diminishing returns as habitat size increases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of conservationists regarding habitat preservation?

    <p>To focus on large, interconnected areas to sustain biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the concept of top-down control in community structure?

    <p>Top predators help regulate the populations of lower trophic levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does reducing habitat size generally have on species?

    <p>It increases competition among species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of species richness, what is a common misconception regarding habitat size?

    <p>Smaller habitats can sustain higher species richness than larger ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of resource partitioning among sympatric species?

    <p>It helps reduce competition by dividing resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In ecological succession, what characterizes primary succession?

    <p>Starts on bare rock, requiring soil formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is energy flow typically characterized in food chains?

    <p>It diminishes at each subsequent trophic level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the realized niche of an organism?

    <p>The actual resources and habitats used in the community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of climax communities in ecological succession?

    <p>They can withstand minor disturbances effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor predominantly influences community structure from the bottom-up?

    <p>Abundance of producers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do larger areas of habitat typically support greater species diversity?

    <p>They provide more stable and diverse environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the length of a food chain?

    <p>The efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the species-area curve indicate about smaller islands?

    <p>They show diminishing returns as they increase in size.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next?

    <p>10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor primarily limits the length of food chains?

    <p>Energy transfer inefficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a community, bottom-up control emphasizes which of the following roles?

    <p>Producers determine abundance and diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the effects of habitat size on biodiversity?

    <p>Biodiversity increases only up to a certain area size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of energy loss at trophic levels?

    <p>Shorter food chains with fewer levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do predators play in top-down control of a community?

    <p>They shape prey populations and community structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does species richness typically change with habitat size according to the species-area curve?

    <p>It increases rapidly followed by diminishing returns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ecological concept describes the role of producers in a community?

    <p>Bottom-up control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What changes occur during character displacement?

    <p>Species undergo evolutionary changes in traits like beak size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes an ecological niche?

    <p>The specific role of an organism within its environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During what type of ecological succession do pioneer species colonize an area with intact soil?

    <p>Secondary succession</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fate of energy as it moves up the trophic levels in an ecosystem?

    <p>It is lost at each level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a fundamental niche?

    <p>The full range of environmental conditions a species could theoretically exploit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a realized niche from a fundamental niche?

    <p>The realized niche is the actual portion of the niche occupied by a species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In primary succession, which organism is typically the first to colonize bare rock?

    <p>Lichens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a climax community?

    <p>A stable and long-lasting ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does resource partitioning benefit species living in the same habitat?

    <p>By reducing competition for limited resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of sympatric species?

    <p>They live in the same area at the same time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does resource partitioning help species to achieve?

    <p>Minimize competition by using different parts of the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is exemplified by distinct beak sizes among sympatric Galápagos finches?

    <p>Character displacement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the fundamental niche differ from the realized niche?

    <p>The realized niche is the actual occupation under interactions, whereas the fundamental niche is all potential conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes primary succession?

    <p>Colonization on bare substrates, requiring soil creation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of energy is generally transferred to the next level in a food chain?

    <p>10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does bottom-up control in community structure emphasize?

    <p>The role of producers in determining the abundance of higher trophic levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about ecological succession is correct?

    <p>It involves sequential colonization leading to a climax community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What limits the length of food chains typically to 5-6 levels?

    <p>Insufficient energy at higher trophic levels due to energy loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an ecological niche, what role does an organism fulfill?

    <p>It encompasses interactions with food, habitat, and other organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Community Ecology

    • A community is a collection of different species populations living in the same area.

    • Ecology encompasses both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors within an environment, while a community focuses on the biotic components.

    • Species Richness measures the number of species present in an area. It is a simple way to understand community structure. Areas with higher rainfall and moisture tend to have higher richness.

    • Species Diversity goes beyond the number of species, considering the relative abundance of each species. A diverse community has a significant number of individuals within each species, making it more stable.

    Community Hypothesis

    • Individualistic Hypothesis emphasizes individual species' needs and their ability to thrive in a particular environment based on abiotic factors like temperature and moisture. It accounts for chance factors like arrival time and resource availability.

    • Interactive Hypothesis focuses on the biotic interactions between species, arguing that the presence or absence of other species influences the success of an organism in a community, more so than abiotic factors alone. Examples include predator-prey relationships and competition for resources.

    Interactions Between Organisms

    • Interspecific Interactions are interactions between different species.

    • Predation is a direct interaction where one organism kills and consumes another.

    • Competition is a more prolonged interaction where organisms fight over limited resources, such as food, shelter, or nesting sites.

    • Keystone Predator: This predator has a positive effect on the overall biodiversity. They often control populations of prey species that could otherwise dominate the ecosystem and harm other organisms. Their absence can lead to a decrease in diversity as dominant prey species flourish.

    Symbiosis

    • Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of the other, which is known as the host. Parasites usually do not kill their host immediately, allowing for a longer-lasting relationship.

    • Commensalism: One organism benefits, while the other is neither harmed nor helped.

    • Mutualism: Both organisms benefit from the relationship.

    Dealing with Predation

    • Cryptic Coloration: Camouflaging to blend in with the environment.

    • Aposematic Coloration: Displaying bright, contrasting colours to warn predators of toxicity or dangerous defenses.

    • Mimicry: Resembling another organism to gain protection:

      • Batesian Mimicry: A harmless species mimics a harmful one.
      • Mullerian Mimicry: Multiple harmful species mimic each other.

    Competition

    • Interference Competition: Direct interaction where organisms physically fight or challenge each other for resources.

    • Exploitative Competition: Indirect interaction where organisms compete for resources, such as food or space, without directly confronting each other.

    • Competitive Exclusion Principle: In a stable environment, two species with overlapping niches (roles) cannot coexist indefinitely. The species more efficient in resource exploitation will outcompete the other, leading to the latter’s extinction or displacement from the area.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of community ecology, including species richness and diversity, as well as the individualistic and interactive hypotheses. Understand how biotic and abiotic factors shape community structures and the significance of species interactions in ecological stability.

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