Ecology and Climate Change Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one consequence of declining krill populations in Antarctica?

Increase in penguin populations

Expansion of arctic cod habitats

Loss of billions of dollars in fisheries (correct)

Decrease in phytoplankton diversity

Which factor is NOT associated with the success of bird migration and reproduction?

Seasonal shifts in food supply

Climate-friendly habitats (correct)

Availability of food resources

Celestial cues for navigation

What is a significant effect of increased temperatures on pathogens in wildlife?

Increased prevalence of diseases (correct)

Decreased prevalence of diseases

Improved health conditions for amphibians

Stabilization of parasite populations

To combat climate change, which measure is suggested to stabilize CO2 levels?

Achieving global carbon neutrality by 2050 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of implementing Species Distribution Models in ecology?

To project suitable habitats for species Signup and view all the answers

What does habitat fragmentation primarily lead to?

Decline in species and biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines a reservoir in disease ecology?

A dormant or active population where a disease exists Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome when the measure of parasite fitness, Ro, is greater than 1?

Epidemic potential of the disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a zoonotic disease?

Lyme Disease Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in emerging infectious diseases since 1970?

Emergence of over 40 new diseases in humans Signup and view all the answers

What process makes nitrogen in the atmosphere usable for organisms?

Nitrogen Fixation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following primarily occurs during nitrification?

Conversion of NH4+ to NO3- Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the enzyme nitrogenase in the nitrogen cycle?

It catalyzes the conversion of N2 to NH3. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes denitrification?

It returns nitrogen to the atmosphere as N2. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation do organisms face concerning phosphorus in the ecosystem?

Phosphorus is often in limited supply for growth and reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a pool in the context of biogeochemical cycles?

The total standing crop of biomass in an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

How is ammonification characterized in the nitrogen cycle?

Release of ammonia from organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor drives the major biogeochemical cycles observed in ecosystems?

Flow of energy through the ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biogeochemical Cycles

Nutrients cycle through non-living and living components of ecosystems.
Cycles involve both biological and nonbiological processes.
Two types of cycles:
- Gaseous: major reservoir in the atmosphere or ocean.
- Sedimentary: major reservoir in soil, rocks, or minerals.
Based on inputs and outputs:
- Input energy to the system -> internal cycling -> outputs (respiration, denitrification, assimilation/excretion).
- Mass balance: Input - output + sources - sinks = amount of mass.

Nitrogen Cycle

Abundant nitrogen (N2) in the atmosphere, but unusable to organisms.
Nitrogen fixation converts N2 into usable forms (e.g., ammonia).
Abiotic fixation: lightning and cosmic radiation.
Biotic fixation: by bacteria (e.g., Cyanobacteria, Rhizobium).
Nitrogen is converted into usable forms like nitrate, by nitrification.
Organic nitrogen is converted into ammonia.
Denitrification returns N2 to the atmosphere.

Phosphorus Cycle

PO43− (phosphate) is the primary form of phosphorus.
No atmospheric reservoir, mainly in soil and rocks.
Cycles through water, soil, and organic matter.
Essential for biological processes (DNA, phospholipids, bones, etc.).

Carbon Cycle

Carbon moves globally between organisms and the environment.
Reservoirs: atmosphere (CO2), terrestrial biosphere(soil, plants, animals), oceans, and geological formations (fossil fuels).
Processes:
- Photosynthesis: removes carbon from the atmosphere.
- Respiration: releases carbon into the atmosphere.
- Decomposition: breaks down organic matter.
Oceans are the largest carbon reservoir.
Fossil fuels release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.
Carbon sequestration in soil can mitigate climate change.

Carbon Movement

Seasonal changes in carbon cycles are linked to energy flow and photosynthesis.
Decomposition breaks down dead organic matter.
Respiration: releases carbon from organisms.
Rate of decomposition: influenced by factors like moisture, temperature, and humidity.
Detritivores (organisms that consume dead organisms) also play a significant role.
Decomposition/mineralization: converts organic matter into inorganic nutrients.
Immobilization: microbes take up and use nutrients, opposite of mineralization.

Landscape Ecology

Studies relationships between spatial patterns and ecological processes.
Focuses on large scales of change.
Patches: homogeneous areas in a heterogeneous landscape.
Edges/corridors: borders between habitats, facilitate movement, and biodiversity.
Connectivity: metapopulations; dispersal and migration influence extinction/persistence.
Source-sink dynamics: populations in high-quality habitats increase while low-quality habitats decrease.

Ecosystem/Global Ecology

Ecosystem ecology considers the integrated system of organisms and their environment.
Includes processes like energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Ecosystem resistance refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbance.

Ecosystem Stability/Resilience

Stability = ecosystem's tendency to stay constant.
Resilience = ecosystem's ability to recover after disturbance.
Resilience and stability are measured by ecological services.

Global Climate Change

Evidence for human-induced change.
Human activities have increased CO2 levels.
Climate change influences natural cycles.
Global temperature increase alters ecosystem conditions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the impacts of climate change and ecological concepts. This quiz covers consequences of biodiversity loss, bird migration, and disease ecology. Discover how these factors interplay in our ecosystems and affect wildlife health.