Ecological Niches and Population Dynamics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a keystone host species mentioned in the text?

Palm tree

Beaver

Saguaro cactus (correct)

Fig tree

What is the role of keystone prey species?

To provide habitat for other species

To control the density of predators

To affect the community structure

To maintain their numbers despite being preyed upon (correct)

What is the effect of keystone species on community structure?

They provide habitat for other species

They control the diversity of species (correct)

They maintain their numbers despite being preyed upon

They affect the density of predators

What type of environment are Saguaro cacti found in?

Deserts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a keystone host species in the text?

Beaver Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is a fundamental niche?

The resources and habitat that the species could theoretically use. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is a realized niche?

The resources and habitat that the species is actually able to use. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what can natural selection do in terms of niches?

Evolve species to have both broad tolerance and specialized adaptations. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what are structural adaptations?

Body anatomy adaptations that help the organism survive in the niche. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why can't two species with identical niches survive indefinitely in the same habitat?

Because they will compete with each other for resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about keystone species?

Keystone species have a disproportionate effect on the structure of an ecological community. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the species diversity in the study area after the removal of the starfish?

Species diversity decreased. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of sea otters in the ecosystem?

To regulate sea urchin populations. Signup and view all the answers

How did the removal of the starfish affect the intertidal area?

The area became dominated by barnacles and mussels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of keystone modifier species like the North American beaver?

To determine the prevalence and activities of many other species. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Keystone Species

Keystone host species mentioned in the text: starfish
Keystone prey species: play a crucial role in maintaining the structure of their ecosystems

Niche and Adaptation

Fundamental niche: the full range of environmental conditions and resources in which a species can survive and reproduce
Realized niche: the portion of the fundamental niche that a species actually occupies due to interactions with other species
Natural selection can lead to the creation of new niches or the shifting of realized niches
Structural adaptations: specialized physical features that allow an organism to interact with its environment in a unique way

Community Structure and Biodiversity

Keystone species have a disproportionate impact on community structure and biodiversity
Removal of a keystone species can lead to a decline in species diversity (e.g., removal of starfish led to a decrease in species diversity in the study area)

Ecosystem Engineers

Keystone modifier species like the North American beaver play a crucial role in shaping their ecosystems through their activities (e.g., building dams)

Intertidal Ecosystems

Sea otters play a key role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by preying on sea urchins that might otherwise overgraze kelp forests
Removal of starfish led to an overgrowth of algae in the intertidal area

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Description

Test your knowledge about ecological niches and population dynamics with this quiz. Learn about the impact of predation on population density using a fascinating example of fish populations.