Ecology Fundamentals and Organismal Ecology
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What is the primary focus of organismal ecology?

  • The study of how individual organisms function in their environment. (correct)
  • The study of the physical and chemical properties of the environment.
  • The study of the distribution and abundance of populations.
  • The study of the interactions between different species in an ecosystem.

    • Which of the following is a characteristic of modular organisms?

  • Highly mobile.
  • Determinate form.
  • Highly influenced by the environment. (correct)
  • Continuous and predictable pattern of growth.

    • What distinguishes a population from a community?

  • A community is a broader scale of study than a population, encompassing multiple ecosystems.
  • A population is a stable and unchanging group, while a community is dynamic and constantly evolving.
  • A community is a group of interacting organisms, while a population only includes individuals of the same species. (correct)
  • A population includes all living organisms in an area, while a community only includes non-living factors.

    • Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor?

    <p>The temperature of the air. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between autecology and synecology?

    <p>Autecology investigates individual organisms, while synecology examines groups of organisms and their interaction with the environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'interdependence' imply in the context of ecological systems?

    <p>Each species within an ecosystem has a unique role, and survival depends on interactions with both living and non-living components. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an accurate definition or explanation of a species?

    <p>A group of individuals that can interbreed and share similar physical characteristics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of factor is considered a 'resource' in an ecological context?

    <p>A factor that is consumed or used up by an organism for growth and survival. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of temperature, which of the following organisms thrive at very high temperatures?

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

    Which type of organism derives its heat from its own metabolism?

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

    Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of exposure to low temperatures?

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

    What is the term for the state of low metabolic rate that occurs for a few hours?

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

    Which of the following organisms is most likely to exhibit facultative endothermy?

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

    According to Shelford's Law of Tolerance, which condition allows for reproduction?

    <p>Optimal conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which response curve describes the response to conditions toxic at high levels but essential for growth at low levels?

    <p>Response Curve 3 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between hibernation and estivation?

    <p>Hibernation is a response to cold, estivation is a response to heat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of energy for photoautotrophs?

    <p>Radiant energy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a biotic component of an ecosystem?

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

    What is the main difference between a poikilotherm and a homeotherm?

    <p>Poikilotherms have a fluctuating body temperature, homeotherms have a constant body temperature. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which chemoautotrophs produce their own food?

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

    What is the role of predators in an ecosystem?

    <p>To regulate the populations of their prey (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects microclimate?

    <p>Species diversity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a freeze-tolerance adaptation?

    <p>Encouraging extracellular ice formation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a herbivore feeding strategy?

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

    What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

    <p>To recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following organisms is an example of a detritivore?

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

    What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

    <p>A food chain is a simple linear sequence of feeding relationships, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of carnivores in an ecosystem?

    <p>Carnivores regulate the populations of herbivores, helping to maintain balance in the ecosystem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of water for living organisms?

    <p>Water is a critical component of metabolic reactions, physiology, and habitat for organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of decomposer?

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

    How do herbivores regulate the growth of plants?

    <p>By grazing and browsing on plants, promoting new growth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best defines a habitat?

    <p>The actual place where an organism lives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do fundamental and realized niches differ?

    <p>Fundamental niche reflects what an organism is capable of, while realized niche is its role in the presence of competition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes heliophytes?

    <p>They require maximum sunlight for growth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about light as a resource is accurate?

    <p>Different wavelengths of light can have varied effects on organisms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of competition in defining a realized niche?

    <p>Competition can limit an organism's access to resources, influencing its realized niche. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which abiotic factor can influence the functioning of living organisms?

    <p>Concentration of pollutants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is shade characterized in terms of light utilization?

    <p>As a resource depletion zone that affects light intensity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the term 'resource depletion zone' (RDZ)?

    <p>A shaded area that limits the amount of light available to plants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Ecology - Fundamentals

    • Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
    • Interdependence: Species survival depends on other living things and non-living components.
    • Models represent ecological systems. Earth is the largest ecological system.
    • Ecosystem encompasses all organisms and non-living components in a specific area.
    • Community includes all interacting organisms in an area, excluding non-living factors.
    • Population consists of all organisms of one species within a given area.
    • Organism is an individual animal.

    Organismal Ecology

    • Focuses on individual species and their relationships with the environment.
    • Autecology studies an individual's relationship with its environment, emphasizing life history and behavior adaptations.
    • Synecology examines groups of organisms and their environmental relationships (community and ecosystem ecology).
    • Organisms are classified as unitary or modular.

    Unitary vs. Modular Organisms

    • Unitary:
      • Deterministic form (predictable development).
      • Continuous, predictable growth.
      • Highly mobile.
      • Governed by genes.
    • Modular:
      • Indeterminate form (variable development).
      • Unpredictable development.
      • Sedentary or less mobile.
      • Highly influenced by the environment.

    Species Definition

    • A species is a group of interbreeding individuals reproductively isolated from other groups.

    Environment

    • Includes everything external to the organism, both abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living).
    • Environmental factors:
      • Resource: consumed or used up by organisms (e.g., light, nutrients, water).
      • Condition: influences organisms' functioning but is not consumed (e.g., temperature, pH).
    • Habitat is the organism's physical address, including biotic and abiotic factors.

    Niche Concept

    • Niche describes an organism's role or way of life.
    • It's not a place, but the conditions and resources needed for survival.
    • Fundamental niche represents the full potential of an organism.
    • Realized niche considers competition and predation, limiting the organism's role.
    • Generalists use a wider variety of resources, while specialists have narrow resource requirements, higher extinction risk.

    Abiotic Factors: Light

    • Visible light (400-700 nm) is the primary energy source.
    • Factors influencing light effects: intensity, quality, periodicity, and direction.
    • Fate of light: transmission, reflection, refraction, absorption, scattering.
    • Light as a condition: circadian rhythms, photoperiodism, phototropism, phototaxis.
    • Light as a resource: photosynthesis (PAR).
    • Shade is a resource depletion zone.

    Abiotic Factors: Light Utilization in Plants

    • Heliophytes (sun plants) thrive in full sun, high intensity.
    • Sciophytes (shade plants) are efficient at low light.

    Abiotic Factors: Temperature

    • Temperature measures average kinetic energy. Heat is the transfer of energy between systems.
    • Macroclimate describes large-area weather, while microclimate changes over small areas. 
    • Temperature affects organisms through response curves.
    • Organisms are classified by temperature tolerance (thermophiles, mesophiles, psychrophiles).

    Responses to Temperature

    • Poikilotherms (variable body temperature) are often ectotherms (heat from the environment).
    • Homeotherms (constant body temperature) are usually endotherms (heat from metabolism).
    • Adaptations to extreme temperatures include insulation, evaporative cooling, and adjustments to freezing points.
    • Organisms may enter torpor, hibernation, or estivation during extreme conditions.

    Law of Tolerance

    • An organism's ability to survive depends on its tolerance to physical and chemical factors.
    • Response curves show tolerance ranges; optimal conditions allow reproduction.
    • Multiple curves illustrate responses to factors that are essential, toxic, or both. 

    Ecosystem Components: Biotic Roles

    • Producers (autotrophs) make their own food (photoautotrophs use light, chemoautotrophs use chemicals).
    • Consumers (heterotrophs) obtain energy from producers or other consumers.
    • Herbivores feed on producers; carnivores feed on other consumers. Omnivores consume both plants and animals.
    • Decomposers (detritivores, scavengers, saprophytes) break down organic matter, recycling nutrients.

    Feeding Relationships

    • Trophic levels represent energy transfer levels in food chains, webs, and pyramids.

    Abiotic Factors: Water & Nutrients

    • Water is both a condition and a resource.
    • Organisms are largely composed of water, requiring hydration for metabolism.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the basic principles of ecology, focusing on the relationships between organisms and their environment. It delves into concepts such as interdependence, ecosystems, communities, populations, and the distinction between unitary and modular organisms. Test your understanding of these ecological concepts and their implications for species survival.

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