Ecology Chapter on Limiting Factors and Succession

Questions and Answers

What are limiting factors?

Limiting factors are conditions that limit the growth or development of an organism, population, or process.

What is the difference between density dependent factors and density independent factors?

Density independent factors are unrelated to population size, while density dependent factors are limiting factors that are more effective in larger, dense populations.

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession begins on bare rock and takes hundreds of years, while secondary succession occurs after an initial disturbance and is usually faster because pre-existing soil is available.

Why is secondary succession slow in a tropical rainforest?

Secondary succession is slow in a tropical rainforest due to the high diversity of species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biome with the most diversity?

The tropical rainforest. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't large trees grow in the tundra?

Large trees cannot grow in the tundra because it is too cold. Signup and view all the answers

What biome is characterized by having mostly coniferous trees and how do humans impact this biome?

The taiga biome; humans impact this biome through trapping fur-bearing animals and logging. Signup and view all the answers

What type of terrestrial biome do we live in and how do humans impact this biome?

We live in the deciduous forest biome; humans impact this biome through deforestation and urbanization. Signup and view all the answers

What terrestrial biome has the most fertile soil and how do humans impact this biome?

Grassland/prairie biomes; humans impact these biomes through poaching endangered animals and urbanization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the one major unifying characteristic of deserts?

Desert rivers. Signup and view all the answers

How do humans negatively impact the tropical savannas?

Humans negatively impact tropical savannas through poaching of animals and the influx of thousands of tourists. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors.

Density-dependent factors depend on population size, while density-independent factors affect all populations regardless of size. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between exponential and logistic growth?

Exponential growth is J-shaped rapid growth, while logistic growth is S-shaped and slows as it approaches carrying capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What is carrying capacity?

Carrying capacity is the largest number of individuals of a particular species that can survive long-term in a given environment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Limiting Factors

Limiting factors restrict growth or development of organisms, populations, or processes.

Density Dependent vs. Density Independent Factors

Density Independent Factors: operate independently of population size, e.g., natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods.
Density Dependent Factors: impact larger, dense populations more than smaller ones, e.g., predation, competition for resources, food supply.

Primary vs. Secondary Succession

Ecological succession is the transition of ecosystems over time due to changing abiotic and biotic factors.
Primary Succession: occurs on bare rock, takes hundreds of years, initiated by pioneer organisms.
Secondary Succession: follows disruption of an existing community, faster process due to pre-existing soil and some surviving plants and animals.

Secondary Succession in Tropical Rainforests

Secondary succession is slower in tropical rainforests due to high biodiversity that complicates recovery.

Biomes and Diversity

Tropical rainforests are the biomes with the highest levels of biodiversity.

Tundra Biome Limitations

The tundra biome's extreme cold conditions prevent large tree growth.

Taiga Biome Characteristics and Human Impact

The taiga biome is mainly coniferous trees.
Human activities include trapping fur-bearing animals and logging.

Deciduous Forest Biome and Human Impact

Our region falls within the deciduous forest biome.
Human impacts include deforestation and urbanization.

Grassland/Prairie Biome Characteristics and Human Impact

Grasslands or prairie biomes have the most fertile soil.
Humans impact this biome through poaching of endangered species and urbanization.

Desert Characteristics

A major unifying characteristic of deserts is the presence of desert rivers.

Human Impact on Tropical Savannas

Major impacts include tourism and poaching of wildlife.

Density-Dependent vs. Density-Independent Factors

Density-Dependent Factors: limiting factors that rely on population size.
Density-Independent Factors: affect populations similarly, regardless of size.

Exponential vs. Logistic Growth

Exponential Growth: characterized by a J-shaped curve, occurs with a positive per capita growth rate.
Logistic Growth: demonstrated by an S-shaped curve, growth slows as the population nears its carrying capacity.

Carrying Capacity

Defined as the maximum number of individuals of a species that can survive in a specific environment over time, affected by limiting factors.

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Description

Test your understanding of limiting factors that influence the growth and development of organisms within ecosystems. Explore the differences between density-dependent and density-independent factors, as well as the concepts of primary and secondary succession. Delve into the unique aspects of secondary succession in tropical rainforests.