Ecology and Species Dominance Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of ecology?

The study of abiotic factors in biomes

The evolution of species over time

The interactions between organisms and their environment (correct)

The classification of organisms into large groups

How did the reintroduction of wolves affect the ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park?

There was no significant change in the ecosystem

Wolves hunted more than elk, leading to less vegetation

The population of elk increased dramatically

Aspen trees flourished due to less grazing (correct)

Which of the following statements about natural selection is true?

Natural selection only occurs in populations with high variability

Only physical traits are influenced by natural selection

Darwin's finches exemplify how birds do not adapt to their environment

Survived genes are passed on to offspring through evolution (correct)

What structure did ecology develop from over time?

A dynamic viewpoint of organism interactions in nature Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary finding of Ripple et al. in their study of wolves and elk?

Elk avoided areas where wolves were abundant Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a high productivity index in water bodies?

Low levels of dissolved oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about river and stream ecology is correct?

The river continuum concept suggests changes in ecological processes downstream. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems?

Death of organisms due to oxygen depletion Signup and view all the answers

What is the Riparian Zone primarily defined by?

Specific organisms adapted to the transition near water bodies Signup and view all the answers

How does nutrient input change from the headwaters to downstream areas?

Nutrient spiral accumulates downstream from headwaters. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Benthic Zone?

Interface where water meets land, significant for biological activity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the 1st order streams?

They receive high levels of allochthonous material. Signup and view all the answers

What does a P value less than 0.05 indicate in statistical analysis?

A significant change has occurred Signup and view all the answers

What defines a species according to the biological species concept?

Members of a population that actually or potentially interbreed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of the phenetic species concept?

It can group species that look alike but have different genetic histories. Signup and view all the answers

How do islands typically form according to geological processes?

From the movement of tectonic plates leading to upwellings of land or volcanic activity. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a ring species?

Interconnected species through gene flow arranged in a circular distribution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an anthropogenic change to the environment?

Deforestation creating patches of remnant habitats. Signup and view all the answers

According to research by Kramer et al in 2011, which factor influences genetic distance among plants on sky islands?

Type of pollinator specifying gene flow levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential future outcome for climate and habitat islands?

Some areas could become isolated, affecting genetic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

How do species generally arrive on islands?

Through natural drift or human assistance that allows for colonization. Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the study of features and characteristics of a region?

Topography Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the impact of climate change on biomes?

The rate of climate change is altering biomes too quickly. Signup and view all the answers

Which soil layer is primarily composed of weathered parent material?

C layer Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's water is fresh water found in lakes, rivers, and groundwater?

1% Signup and view all the answers

What has been the primary transformation of land from 1700 to 2000 as noted in ecological studies?

Natural biomes converted into agricultural and urban lands. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to soil creation?

Distance from oceans Signup and view all the answers

What primarily composes the O layer of soil?

Freshly fallen organic materials and waste Signup and view all the answers

Which biome type has remained relatively unchanged despite land usage changes over time?

Deserts Signup and view all the answers

What does species diversity consist of?

A combination of species richness and evenness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to the human-driven sixth mass extinction?

Global climate change Signup and view all the answers

Which index is used to measure species diversity with a focus on richness and evenness?

Shannon’s Weiner Index Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the event that led to the extinction of dinosaurs?

Mammals originated and diversified Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected background extinction rate compared to the actual rate observed in the past 100 years?

1000-10000 times greater than expected Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Species Diversity and Indices

Species diversity combines richness (number of species) and evenness (distribution of individuals among species).
Higher species diversity is found near the equator and in tropical biomes.
Simpson’s Index quantifies diversity using the formula (Ds = \frac{N(N-1)}{\sum (n_i(n_i-1))}), where N is total individuals and (n_i) is individuals of species i.
Shannon’s Weiner Index also measures species diversity but considers probabilities of species occurrence.

Ecological Concepts

Ecology studies organisms and their interactions with the environment, including patterns and processes.
Levels of ecological organization start from individuals and progress to populations, communities, ecosystems, landscapes, and regions.
Natural selection leads to adaptations, evidenced by Darwin's finches and wolves in Yellowstone, demonstrating ecosystem effects of apex predators.

Impacts of Extinction

The Holocene marks the sixth mass extinction, driven by human activities with extinction rates 1000-10000 times higher than natural rates.
Major causes include habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change, resulting in significant species loss over the last century.
Conservation strategies urgently needed to mitigate these impacts.

Soil Composition and Formation

Soil is vital for biomes, composed of living and non-living materials with layers classified as O, A, B, C.
Topsoil (O layer) consists of organic materials, while the A layer contains minerals; B layer has more compacted material, and C layer consists of weathered rock.
Soil development requires time, parent material, climate, living organisms, and topography.

Biogeography and Water Systems

Most fresh water is stored in glaciers and polar ice caps; only 1% is usable for human activity.
Eutrophication, driven by pollutants like phosphorus, significantly impacts aquatic ecosystems, exemplified by Lake Erie.
Freshwater ecosystems are defined by their associated landscapes and the flow of water (riffles, runs, and pools).

Species Definitions and Concepts

Species are interbreeding populations connected through gene flow, forming the fundamental unit of evolution.
Three species concepts include the biological (interbreeding potential), phylogenetic (evolutionary history), and phenetic (morphological traits) approaches.

Island Biogeography

Islands result from tectonic activity and habitat isolation can lead to evolved characteristics and niche diversification.
Ring species illustrate interconnections through gene flow despite geographic separation.
Anthropogenic changes, such as urbanization and agriculture, create habitat islands that can isolate populations.

Climate Change and Habitat Isolation

Climate and habitat islands may emerge, affecting future species distributions and interactions.
Research into genetic flow shows how pollinator types influence genetic distance and species survival across varying geographic distances.

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Description

Test your knowledge on how different species thrive in uneven environments and the dynamics of species dominance. This quiz covers key concepts related to ecological interactions and species survival strategies. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these essential ecological principles.