Ecology and Succession Models Quiz

The universal energy flow model represents the gradual decrease in energy at each trophic level. Narrower pipes depict the decreasing energy flow as it is transferred to subsequent levels. Smaller boxes represent the reduced biomass at each level, signifying the energy stored in organisms. This energy loss occurs due to unused energy (U) in locomotion, excretion, or respiration (CR) for maintenance. Only a portion is utilized for production (P).

The primary difference between micro and macro consumers lies in their size-metabolism relations. Micro-consumers like bacteria and fungi have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio leading to faster metabolism and resource breakdown. Macro-consumers have a lower ratio, resulting in slower metabolism and energy utilization. This difference is crucial in understanding energy transfer and decomposition processes in ecosystems.

Ecological succession describes the progressive transformation of an ecological community over time, culminating in a stable community. This change can be driven by the formation of new habitats or disturbances to existing communities. Primary succession occurs in areas lacking initial soils, while secondary succession starts in areas with existing soil.

<p>Nudation in Clement's theory refers to the initial stage of succession where a bare site is created. It involves a disturbance that removes existing vegetation and biota, exposing bare ground. This disturbance could be caused by events like a wildfire, volcanic eruption, or a severe landslide, creating a new substrate for succession to begin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>'Migration' refers to the arrival of propagules (seeds, spores, or other dispersal units) of new organisms to the disturbed site. This is the first step in recolonization. These propagules can be carried by wind, water, animals, or other means, introducing new species to the area and initiating the establishment of a new community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>'Ecesis' refers to the establishment and initial growth of vegetation on the disturbed site. During this phase, the newly arrived propagules begin to germinate and grow, forming the initial plant cover. This is a crucial step in stabilizing the environment by providing shelter, soil enrichment, and reducing erosion, paving the way for further community development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'Competition' phase involves competition between different plant species for resources like light, nutrients, and space, as the community becomes more established. This competition leads to a shift in the composition of the community, with successful competitors gaining dominance and excluding less competitive species. This dynamic competition shapes the eventual structure and diversity of the developing community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'Reaction' phase is characterized by autogenic changes, where the plants themselves modify the environment. For example, they decompose, contributing to soil formation and nutrient cycling. This leads to a series of changes in the habitat that favor other species, gradually replacing the initial community. This continuous cycle of change eventually leads to the development of a climax community, stable and resistant to further changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary reasons for deforestation include road construction, clearing for agriculture, heavy grazing, mining activities, and large-scale hydroelectric projects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shifting cultivation, or slash and burn agriculture, contributes to deforestation by clearing over 5 lakh hectares of forests annually for this practice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Indigenous forests currently cover 21% of the earth's land surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Joint forest management involves community participation, which helps strengthen the rural economy while conserving forest resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Currently, 12 million hectares of forests are cleared annually around the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The industrial sector demands raw materials for making boxes, furniture, plywood, and more, leading to increased deforestation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The fuel wood demand in India shot up to 300-500 million tons in 2001 from just 65 million tons during independence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Historically, about 80% of the original forests on Earth have been cleared, reducing indigenous forests to four-fifths of their pre-agricultural area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Turn off the tap while brushing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They use no more than 6 liters per flush.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dry the clothes in the sun instead of using a dryer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Grow grass and various types of plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It conserves water and minimizes runoff.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It enriches the soil and provides nutrients for plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It allows for the use of natural precipitation for irrigation and other purposes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Carpool with others to reduce the number of trips.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Energy is crucial for industrial development, agriculture, transport, and other sectors, as it enables productive activities and serves as a primary input for growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three main types of energy are non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels), renewable (e.g., solar energy), and nuclear energy (e.g., uranium).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Per capita energy consumption reflects the level of industrialization and material advancement within a country, highlighting the disparity between developed and developing nations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Non-renewable energy sources contribute to pollution and environmental degradation, affecting the quality of life and sustainability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fossil fuels form from the remains of ancient plants and animals subjected to geological processes over millions of years, making their formation time-consuming and finite.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Energy is a primary input in sectors like industry and transport, where it powers machinery and vehicles essential for operation and logistics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In developed countries, annual per capita energy consumption ranges from 5 to 11 kW, while in developing countries, it ranges from 1 to 1.5 kW.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Research and training on energy and environment are vital for understanding the impacts of energy production on ecosystems and developing sustainable practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Landslides can be initiated by rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and changes in groundwater movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Debris-flows can travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, though more commonly, they travel at 30 to 50 miles per hour.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Human activities, such as building excavations and mining, have increased the frequency of landslides in certain areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A weakness in the structure of a rock is an inherent cause of landslides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deforestation is the primary cause of soil erosion as it exposes land to wind and rain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Desertification is the process of turning productive land into non-productive desert, primarily occurring in semi-arid areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The desert in the Sahel moved 100 km southwards between 1950 and 1975.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Overgrazing is the major cause of desertification worldwide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Land degradation is any change in the land that alters its conditions or reduces its quality, caused by natural disasters and human activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Desertification affects arid and semi-arid regions, putting at risk over 1 billion people who rely on these lands for their livelihood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contour farming involves preparing land with alternate furrows and ridges to catch and hold water, reducing runoff and erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mulching uses decomposed leaves and stems of crops to reduce soil moisture loss through evaporation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Crop rotation involves changing the crops planted each year to prevent nutrient depletion and maintain soil fertility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Activities such as deforestation, urban conversion, and mining significantly contribute to land degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Landslides are mass movements of rocks, debris, and soil down a slope caused by gravitational forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Popular methods include contour farming, mulching, crop rotation, and strip cropping.</p> Signup and view all the answers