Ecological Succession: Community Change
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A large area of previously continuous forest is divided by a new highway. Which of the following strategies would be the MOST effective way to mitigate the negative impacts on biodiversity and gene flow for a terrestrial species?

  • Creating a network of habitat corridors, such as culverts or overpasses, connecting the fragmented forest patches. (correct)
  • Implementing stricter regulations on hunting within the remaining forest fragments.
  • Establishing a captive breeding program for the most endangered species in the area.
  • Promoting ecotourism in the remaining forest fragments to generate revenue for conservation efforts.

A logging company clear-cuts a section of old-growth forest, then replants it with a single species of fast-growing tree. Which of the following describes this practice?

  • Habitat replacement, as the original ecosystem is being converted to a different type. (correct)
  • Habitat restoration, as the forest is being returned to its original state.
  • Habitat rehabilitation, as some ecosystem functions are being recovered, but not the original community.
  • Sustainable forestry, as trees are being replanted.

Which of the following characteristics is most likely to define an area as a biodiversity hotspot?

  • A large geographical area with a uniform climate and topography.
  • Domination by a few widespread, highly adaptable species.
  • A high concentration of endemic species and significant habitat loss. (correct)
  • Low human population density and minimal industrial activity.

A fishing fleet is struggling financially due to declining fish stocks. A government decides to provide large subsidies to keep the fleet operating at its current capacity. What is the most likely long-term consequence of this action on local biodiversity?

<p>Overfishing will continue, potentially leading to the collapse of fish populations and impacting the marine ecosystem. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A species of endangered parrot is reduced to a small, isolated population. Conservationists initiate a captive breeding program, carefully managing the genetic diversity of the captive population. Which step would BEST ensure the long-term genetic health of the wild population, assuming eventual reintroduction?

<p>Maximizing the genetic diversity in the captive population and continuing to monitor the genetic diversity of the wild population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a major environmental change typically affect habitats?

<p>It commonly results in large swathes of habitat changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the role of an indicator species?

<p>A plant that exhibits stunted growth in the presence of heavy metals, signaling soil contamination. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of long-term climate change on species distribution?

<p>Geographic shifts in species ranges as they attempt to track suitable climate conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does island biogeography contribute to the understanding of evolution?

<p>By showing how isolation and limited resources can drive specialization and unique adaptations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following a volcanic eruption that destroys all existing vegetation, what process is most likely to occur?

<p>Primary succession, beginning with the colonization of bare rock by pioneer species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely long-term effect of ecological succession on an ecosystem?

<p>An increase in total biomass, species richness, and net productivity over time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a species adapt to a gradually drying climate?

<p>By migrating to wetter regions or evolving physiological adaptations to conserve water. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can short-term natural disruptions affect wildlife populations?

<p>They encourage wildlife to engage in both short- and long-term migration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A species with a highly specific diet and habitat is introduced to a new environment experiencing rapid climate change and habitat loss. Which factor would most significantly threaten its survival?

<p>Its specialized needs that cannot be met in the altered environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does habitat fragmentation impact biodiversity, and what is a strategy to mitigate its effects?

<p>Decreases genetic diversity by isolating populations; creating habitat corridors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might controlled burns be beneficial for managing forest ecosystems, considering both ecological and economic factors?

<p>They reduce wildfire risk by clearing dead vegetation and can be more cost-effective than suppressing large wildfires. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population of frogs that require a specific range of temperatures and humidity levels to survive is declining due to gradual climate change. Which characteristic best describes the attribute making them susceptible to extinction?

<p>Being a specialist species (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do keystone species influence their ecosystems, and what might result from their removal?

<p>They exert a disproportionately large influence by maintaining biodiversity, and their removal can lead to ecosystem collapse. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would be considered a mass extinction event?

<p>A sharp increase in the extinction rate significantly exceeding the background rate across various taxa. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During ecological succession, how do pioneer species contribute to the transformation of a barren environment?

<p>By breaking down rock to form soil, adding organic matter, and moderating the environment for other species. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an invasive species, highly adaptable to varied habitats and diets, is introduced into a stable ecosystem, what impact would it have on a specialist species with limited resources?

<p>The invasive species may outcompete the specialist, potentially leading to its decline or extinction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plays a critical role in global conservation efforts. What is the primary function of the IUCN?

<p>Categorizing species based on their population size and threats to their existence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategies effectively address the HIPPCO factors contributing to biodiversity loss?

<p>Implementing strict regulations on hunting, establishing protected areas, and promoting sustainable land use. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action would be most effective in protecting endangered species from poaching?

<p>Increasing patrols and law enforcement efforts in critical habitats. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a climax community in ecological succession, and how does it differ from earlier stages?

<p>It is a stable, self-sustaining community with high biodiversity and complex interactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A plant species exhibits a mutation that allows it to thrive in drier conditions compared to others of its species. How would this adaptation likely influence the species' evolution over time in an increasingly arid environment?

<p>Individuals with the mutation will have a higher survival and reproduction rate, leading to a greater prevalence of the trait in the population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider two islands: Island A, which is large and close to the mainland, and Island B, which is small and far from the mainland. According to island biogeography theory, which island would be expected to have a higher equilibrium number of species, and why?

<p>Island A, because larger islands have more diverse habitats and higher immigration rates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do forests play in mitigating climate change, and how does clearcutting affect this?

<p>Forests store carbon dioxide; clearcutting releases carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A housing development project divides a large forest into several smaller, isolated patches. Which of the following is a likely consequence of this habitat fragmentation?

<p>The emergence of metapopulations among the habitat patches, which are vulnerable to environmental changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do periodic, episodic, and random natural disruptions influence ecosystem dynamics?

<p>Periodic disruptions lead to adaptations, episodic catastrophes reshape ecosystems, and random events cause localized changes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In secondary succession, what crucial factor differentiates it from primary succession, and how does this influence the rate of ecological recovery?

<p>Secondary succession starts with existing soil; primary succession starts on bare rock, leading to a faster recovery rate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A forest management company clear-cuts a large section of old-growth forest. What would be the most likely ecological consequence of this action?

<p>A reduction in carbon sequestration as mature trees are removed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the species-area curve in understanding biodiversity, and how does the intermediate disturbance hypothesis relate to this concept?

<p>A species area curve demonstrates a direct relationship between the number of species and the area and the intermediate disturbance suggests maximum biodiversity occurs at medium disturbance levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant disadvantage of tree plantations compared to natural forests?

<p>Higher susceptibility to pests and diseases due to low genetic diversity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A non-native fish species is introduced into a lake, and it rapidly consumes the eggs and larvae of native fish species. Which of the following management strategies would be most effective in controlling the invasive fish population?

<p>Implementing targeted removal methods such as netting or electrofishing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be the environmental consequences of replacing a diverse forest with a monoculture of domesticated honeybee colonies for economic purposes?

<p>Decreased biodiversity and increased vulnerability to environmental changes. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Earth’s orbital shifts (Milankovitch cycles) drive long-term climate variations, and what ecological responses do these changes typically induce in animal populations?

<p>They cause gradual shifts in global temperatures, often triggering large-scale migrations in animal populations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pesticides used in agriculture can accumulate in the tissues of organisms and become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. What is the most concerning consequence of this process?

<p>Higher trophic level predators experience decreased reproductive success. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the long-term survival of specialist and generalist species differ when invasive species are introduced, and why?

<p>Generalists species thrive while specialist species decline due to increased resource availability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the increasing human population contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation?

<p>Increased demand for resources and space leads to urbanization and agricultural expansion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rising sea levels due to climate change are causing saltwater intrusion into coastal freshwater ecosystems. What is the most likely consequence of this intrusion on plant communities?

<p>Shift in plant species distribution as salt-sensitive species are displaced. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The population of a commercially valuable fish species declines drastically due to overfishing with trawl nets. What is the most likely long-term consequence of this overexploitation?

<p>A shift in the marine ecosystem as the food web structure is disrupted. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the ecosystem approach to saving biodiversity compared to other conservation strategies?

<p>Protecting and restoring entire ecosystems to benefit many species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Natural Disruptions

Events that impact ecosystems, either short-term or long-term, causing environmental changes.

Ecological Succession

The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving primary and secondary succession.

Keystone Species

A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of a community.

Indicator Species

Species used to assess the health or quality of an ecosystem based on their presence or absence.

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Pioneer Species

First organisms to colonize a barren environment, initiating ecological succession.

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Island Biogeography

The study of how species are distributed on islands and how they evolve in isolation.

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Adaptation

The process through which organisms adjust to their environment to enhance their survival.

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Species Richness

The number of different species represented in an ecological community.

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Mass Extinction

A significant increase in extinction rates surpassing the background rate.

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Species Prone to Extinction

Species that are more vulnerable due to specific traits or environmental needs.

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Endangered vs Threatened

Endangered species are at risk of extinction; threatened species are likely to become endangered.

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IUCN

International Union for Conservation of Nature; works to protect species globally.

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Endangered Species Act (ESA)

U.S. legislation aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats.

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Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

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Selective Pressure

Environmental factors that influence which adaptations are beneficial.

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Island Size and Species Diversity

Larger islands tend to support more species due to diverse ecosystems.

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Equilibrium in Island Biogeography

A stable state where immigration and extinction rates balance out species numbers.

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Habitat Fragmentation

Breaking up of habitat into smaller patches, affecting wildlife living conditions.

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Clear Cutting

A logging method that removes all trees in an area, leading to habitat loss.

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Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species.

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Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms as you move up the food chain.

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Monoculture

Planting a single crop species repeatedly, reducing biodiversity risk.

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Ecosystem Approach to Biodiversity

A strategy focusing on ecosystem health to protect species and habitats effectively.

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Biodiversity Hotspot

A biogeographic area with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened by human activities.

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Endemic Species

Species that are native to and found only in a specific geographic area.

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Sustainability

The ability to maintain resources for future generations without depleting them.

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Endangered Species Act of 1973

A US law aimed at protecting species at risk of extinction and their habitats.

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Captive Breeding Programs

Programs designed to breed endangered species in controlled environments to increase their population.

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Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction due to factors like hunting and habitat loss.

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HIPPCO

A mnemonics for factors reducing biodiversity: habitat destruction, invasive species, population growth, pollution, climate change, over exploitation.

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Primary Succession

Initial growth on previously uninhabitable land, like bare rock.

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Secondary Succession

Recovery on disturbed land where soil remains, like after a fire.

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Climax Community

Ecosystem in stable equilibrium after succession.

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Forest Clearcutting

The complete removal of all trees from a forest area, causing various ecological problems.

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Human Impacts on Biodiversity

Negative effects of human activities that reduce the variety of life on Earth.

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Controlled Burns

Deliberate fires used to manage forest health and reduce future wildfires.

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Migration

The movement of animals in response to environmental changes or disturbances.

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Species Area Curve

Graphical representation showing the direct relationship between area size and species richness.

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Study Notes

Ecological Succession

  • Ecological succession is the gradual change in species composition of a community over time.
  • Two main types: primary and secondary succession.
  • Primary succession occurs where no soil exists (e.g., volcanic rock).
  • Secondary succession occurs on previously occupied soil (e.g., after a forest fire).
  • Pioneer species are the first to colonize a disturbed area. They are often adapted to harsh conditions and have high dispersal rates.
  • Succession progresses through stages: early/pioneer, intermediate/young, mature, climax.
  • Shade-tolerant trees appear later than shade-intolerant trees.
  • A climax community is a stable, balanced, and resilient community at the end of succession.
  • Natural and human-induced disturbances can trigger succession.
  • Natural disturbances include fires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
  • Human-induced disturbances include deforestation and agriculture.
  • Earth's climate has varied over geologic time, including periodic and episodic events.
  • Animals respond to disturbances via migration.
  • Wildfires can have both benefits and drawbacks: controlling dead vegetation, cycling nutrients.
  • Forest management can influence the likelihood of wildfires.

Species Area Curves & Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

  • Species area curves show a direct relationship between the number of species and the area.
  • The intermediate disturbance hypothesis suggests that some disturbances can be beneficial to an ecosystem.

Endangered Species

  • Keystone species are species whose activities significantly influence community structure.
  • Mass extinctions occur when extinction rates exceed background extinction rates.
  • Species prone to extinction include specialists, K-selected species, those needing large habitats, and species exploited by humans.
  • Endangered species are those facing a high risk of extinction.
  • IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) categorizes species based on population size and threats.
  • Conservation strategies include preventing poaching, protecting habitats, and enacting laws.
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA) and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) protect species.

Adaptations & Island Biogeography

  • Adaptation is a trait that increases an organism's fitness.
  • Natural selection favors better-adapted organisms.
  • Selective pressures drive evolution.
  • The rate of evolution depends on the rate of environmental change.
  • Island biogeography studies the distribution and relationships of organisms on islands.
  • Island species often evolve to be specialists.
  • Island size affects biodiversity. Larger islands have more species due to more niches and greater carrying capacity.
  • Island distance from the mainland affects biodiversity. Islands closer to the mainland have greater species richness due to increased immigration.
  • The balance or equilibrium occurs when immigration and extinction rates are equal.

HIPPCO

  • HIPPCO (habitat destruction, invasive species, population growth, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation) are the main factors affecting biodiversity.
  • Habitat fragmentation divides habitats into smaller areas, decreasing biodiversity and impacting metapopulations.
  • Edge effect is a consequence of habitat fragmentation.
  • Causes of habitat fragmentation include roads, agriculture, and logging.
  • Clearcutting is a cause of habitat loss characterized by removing all trees from an area.
  • Deforestation negatively affects ecological services of forests.
  • Strip cutting and tree plantations are alternatives to clearcutting.

Invasive Species

  • Invasive species thrive outside their native habitat, often threatening native species.
  • Invasive species are usually generalist, r-selected species.
  • Various methods exist for managing invasive species, including control and removal.

Pollution

  • Pollution adversely impacts ecosystem air and water quality, harming species growth and reproduction.
  • Pesticides are pollutants that bioaccumulate and biomagnify in food chains.

Population (Human)

  • Human population growth drives habitat loss, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, fragmenting habitats.

Climate Change

  • Climate change impacts biodiversity due to temperature and precipitation changes, and sea level rise.

Overexploitation

  • Overexploitation includes excessive hunting or harvesting of species, leading to extinction.
  • Poaching and overfishing are examples.

Other Threats to Biodiversity

  • Low genetic diversity in domesticated species reduces resilience to disease and pests.
  • Monoculture (planting a single crop) reduces biodiversity.
  • Livestock faces threats from genetic isolation, climate change, diseases, and land degradation.

Saving Biodiversity

  • Ecosystem approach is the most effective way to protect biodiversity.
  • Nature reserves and habitat corridors help protect biodiversity.
  • Restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement of habitats supports biodiversity.
  • Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high biodiversity and endemic species.
  • Sustainable use of natural resources is crucial.
  • Sustainable forestry practices, reducing overfishing, and using laws are key to protecting biodiversity.
  • CITES and the Endangered Species Act protect biodiversity.
  • Captive breeding programs and preserving genetic material complement conservation efforts.
  • Decision-making trees guide management practices.

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Explore ecological succession, the gradual change in community composition over time. Understand primary and secondary succession, pioneer species, and stages leading to a climax community. Learn about natural and human disturbances that impact ecological development.

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