Ecology Community Characteristics and Succession
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Questions and Answers

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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What challenge is posed by environmental factors when studying biodiversity?

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

Which category of organisms are considered primary producers in ecosystems?

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

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

<p>All ecosystems and living organisms on Earth (B)</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. (D)</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. (D)</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. (C)</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. (A)</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. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary characteristic defines a community?

<p>Species richness and evenness (D)</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 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Which best describes the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis?

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

What usually changes during succession in an ecosystem?

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

Which ecological disturbance is typically human-induced?

<p>Deforestation (B)</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 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a climax community?

<p>A stable community that can be disrupted by disturbances (D)</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. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Mutualism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do secondary consumers play in an ecosystem?

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

Which adaptation is typically associated with prey species?

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

How does ecology differ from environmental science?

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

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

<p>Commensalism (C)</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. (C)</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. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes detritivores?

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

What is coevolution?

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

Which factor complicates measuring biodiversity according to the document?

<p>Historical discrimination against minority communities. (C)</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. (B)</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. (B)</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. (D)</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. (B)</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. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ecological Disturbance

Any event disrupting the ecological balance, affecting biotic or abiotic factors.

Succession

The gradual change in communities over time, happening on new or disturbed land.

Primary Succession

The process starting on newly formed land, pioneered by grasses/mosses.

Secondary Succession

The process on previously disturbed land, using species from the seed bank.

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Pioneer Species

First to colonize disturbed areas, often short-lived, tough plants.

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Climax Community

A stable community at the end of succession, though can still be impacted.

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Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

Moderate disturbances boost biodiversity, too much or little decreases it.

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Community Definition

Characterized by species richness and evenness (distribution of species).

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Ecology Definition

The study of relationships between organisms and their environment.

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Ecological Hierarchy

Levels of organization from organisms to the biosphere.

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Trophic Levels

Organisms' positions in food chains, based on what they eat.

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Primary Producers

Organisms that make their own food, like plants.

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Primary Consumers

Herbivores - animals that eat plants.

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Energy Source (Ecosystems)

Primarily the sun, though exceptions exist.

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Community Diversity

Measured by species richness and evenness.

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Importance of Ecology

Crucial for understanding environmental issues & sustainable practices, as well as natural world curiosity.

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Ecological Niche

A species' role and space in an environment; includes resources used and interactions with other species.

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Competitive Exclusion

Two species competing for identical resources cannot coexist.

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Trophic Interactions

Feeding relationships among organisms—predation, parasitism, herbivory, and detritivory.

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Predation

A predator consuming a prey, resulting in the prey's death.

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Symbiosis

Long-term interactions between species.

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Mutualism

Both species benefit in a long-term interaction.

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Niche Partitioning

Species using slightly different resources to coexist.

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Coevolution

Species evolve in response to each other, especially in mutualistic relationships.

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Elk and Aspen Relationship

Elk browsing significantly impacts aspen tree growth. Increased elk populations correlate with lower aspen growth, while decreased elk populations allow aspen to regrow.

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Wolf Reintroduction Impact

Reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone reduced elk populations and altered their foraging behavior, leading to healthier aspen growth in areas with higher wolf activity.

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Human Activity Influence

Human activity can protect elk from predation, allowing them to browse more and prevent aspen regeneration in some areas.

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Aspen Recovery in Yellowstone

Aspen populations in Yellowstone are recovering as elk populations respond to wolf reintroduction, suggesting the importance of predator-prey dynamics for plant health.

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Spatial Scale Effects

The impact of wolves and elk on aspen varies depending on the spatial scale; from local to larger area, factors like wolf presence and human intervention influence aspen growth.

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Trophic Cascade

Ecologic effect on an ecosystem when top predators are added to or removed from it. This effect cascades down the food web.

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Secondary Consumers

Organisms that eat herbivores (plant-eaters).

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Detritivores

Organisms that feed on dead organic matter.

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Food Web

Visual map of interconnected feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

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Yellowstone Wolves/Elk

Wolf reintroduction impacting elk behavior and Yellowstone aspen.

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Density-Mediated Effect

Elk population size affects aspen recovery.

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Behaviorally Mediated Effect

Elk behavior changes affect the amount of feeding on aspen

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Aspen Recovery

Growth of aspen trees in Yellowstone due to changes in elk numbers and behavior

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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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