Ecology Community Characteristics and Succession
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What key concept influences the participation of diverse groups in ecology?

  • Historical scientific methods
  • Role models and sense of belonging (correct)
  • Access to higher education
  • Technological advancements

    • What are the two main components measured when assessing community diversity?

  • Ecosystem size and greenhouse gas levels
  • Species richness and species evenness (correct)
  • Biotic and abiotic factors
  • Population density and habitat range

    • Which of the following levels of ecological hierarchy examines interactions among different species?

  • Ecosystem
  • Community (correct)
  • Organism
  • Population

    • What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

    <p>Solar energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) complement Western science?

    <p>It provides insights from Indigenous cultures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge is posed by environmental factors when studying biodiversity?

    <p>Communities are continuously evolving</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category of organisms are considered primary producers in ecosystems?

    <p>Autotrophs that capture solar energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'biosphere' encompass in ecological studies?

    <p>All ecosystems and living organisms on Earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was observed about young aspen trees in relation to elk populations?

    <p>Young aspen trees grew taller when elk populations fell below 4 elk per square kilometer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the presence of wolves relate to aspen recovery in the studied areas?

    <p>Wolves reduced elk numbers, allowing for better aspen recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conclusions were drawn regarding human activity and its influence on elk behavior?

    <p>In Glen Creek, elk browsed less due to reduced human activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a significant effect of decreased elk browsing on aspen trees?

    <p>Positive changes in plant communities were observed, aiding aspen recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which area did young aspen trees show less evidence of being browsed?

    <p>Glen Creek, in areas with predator escape routes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary characteristic defines a community?

    <p>Species richness and evenness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of primary succession?

    <p>Colonization of land after a volcanic eruption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the first species to colonize a disturbed area?

    <p>Pioneer species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which best describes the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis?

    <p>Moderate disturbances enhance species diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What usually changes during succession in an ecosystem?

    <p>Plant biomass and species diversity vary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ecological disturbance is typically human-induced?

    <p>Deforestation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact do fires have on certain species in California's wildlands?

    <p>Some species require fire to germinate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a climax community?

    <p>A stable community that can be disrupted by disturbances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Competitive Exclusion Principle state?

    <p>Two species cannot coexist if they compete for the exact same resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of trophic interaction?

    <p>Mutualism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do secondary consumers play in an ecosystem?

    <p>They feed on herbivores and other carnivores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adaptation is typically associated with prey species?

    <p>Camouflage and escape strategies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does ecology differ from environmental science?

    <p>Ecology examines biological interactions and ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of symbiotic relationship does one species benefit while the other is unaffected?

    <p>Commensalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did the reintroduction of gray wolves have on the elk population in Yellowstone?

    <p>Elk population and behavior demonstrated positive changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of niche partitioning on species coexistence?

    <p>It facilitates coexistence by enabling slight variations in resource use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes detritivores?

    <p>Organisms that feed on dead organic matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is coevolution?

    <p>The reciprocal evolution of interacting species in response to each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor complicates measuring biodiversity according to the document?

    <p>Historical discrimination against minority communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant factor influencing the behavior of elk when wolves were reintroduced?

    <p>Fear of predation leading to decreased browsing on aspen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes parasitism?

    <p>The parasite benefits while the host is harmed but not immediately killed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of ecological study has evolved significantly from its historical context?

    <p>Incorporation of quantitative research and experimentation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about environmentalism is true?

    <p>It is a political advocacy movement for environmental protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dual factors contribute to the recovery of young aspen trees in Yellowstone?

    <p>Elk density and elk behavior impact aspen recovery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Community Characteristics

    • Community definition: Characterized by species richness and evenness
    • Dominant species: Often named after prominent plant species, heavily influencing community structure

    Ecological Disturbances

    • Definition: Any event disrupting ecological balance, impacting biotic and abiotic factors
    • Types: Periodic (hurricanes) or random (meteorites), or anthropogenic (human-caused)

    Succession

    • Ecological succession: Process of community development over time, either primary (new land) or secondary (disturbed land)
    • Primary succession: Occurs on newly formed land, starting with pioneer species (e.g., grasses, mosses)
    • Secondary succession: Follows disturbances on existing land, starting with species from the seed bank (e.g., abandoned pastures, after fire)

    Pioneer and Climax Communities

    • Pioneer species: First species to colonize disturbed areas, often short-lived and adapted to harsh conditions
    • Climax community: A stable community resulting from succession, but potentially disrupted by disturbances

    Ecosystem Changes During Succession

    • Changes during succession: Productivity, biomass, nutrient distribution, and species diversity shift throughout stages
    • Early stages: Typically high productivity and low diversity
    • Late stages: Typically low productivity and high diversity

    Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

    • Hypothesis: Moderate levels of disturbance can enhance species diversity, while too little or too much disturbance can reduce it

    Adaptations to Disturbance

    • Many species adapted to periodic wildfires (e.g., requiring fire to germinate or resprout from seedbank)

    Species Interactions

    • Competition: Interspecific (between species) and intraspecific (within species); impacting resource use
    • Ecological niche: Role and space a species occupies, including resource use and interactions
    • Competitive Exclusion Principle: Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist

    Types of Trophic Interactions

    • Predation: Predator consuming prey
    • Parasitism: Parasite consuming host parts without immediately killing it
    • Herbivory: Herbivores consume plants
    • Detritivory: Detritivores feed on dead organic material

    Adaptations

    • Predator adaptations: Size, weaponry, sensory adaptations for locating prey
    • Prey adaptations: Camouflage, escape strategies, chemical defenses (aposematic coloration, mimicry)

    Symbiosis

    • Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected
    • Mutualism: Both species benefit (trophic/resource exchange, defensive/protection, dispersive/pollination)
    • Parasitism: One species benefits at the expense of the other

    Mutualism and Coevolution

    • Mutualistic relationships can lead to coevolution where interacting species evolve in response to each other

    Key Points

    • Historical discrimination creates barriers in ecology for minority groups
    • Socioeconomic factors impact access to wilderness
    • Western science may conflict with non-Western views; requires inclusive approach
    • Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) complements Western science
    • Measuring community diversity involves species richness and evenness

    What is Ecology?

    • Definition: Study of complex interrelationships between organisms and environment
    • Importance: Understanding ecological issues (habitat destruction, need for sustainable practices) and human curiosity about nature

    Levels of Ecological Hierarchy

    • Organism: Individual species interactions with the environment
    • Population: Same species interacting together
    • Community: Interactions among different species
    • Ecosystem: Interactions between organisms and physical environment
    • Landscape: Multiple ecosystems at regional scale
    • Biosphere: All ecosystems and living organisms

    Energy in Ecosystems

    • Sun: The primary energy source for most ecosystems (except deep-sea hydrothermal vents)

    Trophic Levels

    • Primary producers: Autotrophs (e.g., plants) capturing solar energy
    • Primary consumers: Herbivores consuming plants
    • Secondary/Tertiary consumers: Carnivores eating herbivores/other carnivores
    • Detritivores: Organisms feeding on dead organic matter

    Trophic Interactions

    • Interactions form a complex food web illustrating relationships and energy flow
    • Ecology: Focuses on biological interactions and ecosystems
    • Environmental science: Integrates ecology with abiotic factors and policy
    • Environmentalism: A political advocacy movement protecting environments

    Historical Context

    • Ecology's evolution: From observation and description of nature to quantitative research and experimental designs
    • Influences of naturalists (e.g., John Muir) on ecological thought

    Conclusion

    • Ecology's importance for understanding the natural world and addressing environmental challenges
    • Need for blending scientific inquiry with advocacy and conservation

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    Community Characteristics PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts in ecology, focusing on community characteristics, ecological disturbances, and the processes of succession. Explore the definitions and dynamics of pioneer and climax communities as well as the impact of disturbances on ecosystems. Test your understanding of these fundamental ecological principles.

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