Ecology Overview: Slope and Tree Lines

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Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between slope steepness and soil accumulation?

Gentler slopes accumulate more soil. (correct)

Soil only forms on flat surfaces.

Steeper slopes accumulate more soil.

Soil accumulates uniformly across all slopes.

Which factor directly contributes to the existence of a tree line on hills?

Increase in soil nutrients.

Presence of abundant wildlife.

Drought and lack of moisture. (correct)

Uniform temperature year-round.

Why do upper slopes tend to have less soil than lower slopes?

Soil washes away and accumulates lower due to gravity. (correct)

Soil particles are heavier at higher elevations.

Soil formation is faster on steeper slopes.

Higher slopes are shielded from rain.

What might limit plant growth in areas with excessive snow on hilltops?

Lack of liquid water due to perpetual snow. Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental condition can cause desiccation of leaves in winter?

Strong winds. Signup and view all the answers

What might you expect to find above the tree line in hilly regions?

Grasses or bare ground. Signup and view all the answers

How do push and pull factors relate to habitat suitability for trees?

Push factors create obstacles while pull factors improve conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physical factor affecting tree line distribution?

Soil composition. Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary factor that can lead to the absence of trees in certain areas?

Prolonged dry conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would most likely increase soil temperatures in an area?

Denudation of vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What effect does rapid loss of heat during the night have on plant survival in high altitude areas?

Increases the chance of frost Signup and view all the answers

How does high wind pressure at higher altitudes impact trees?

Causes uprooting and breakage Signup and view all the answers

According to Liebig’s law of the minimum, what determines the rate of a biological process?

The least amount of any required factor Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the phenomenon of the tree line in mountainous regions?

Combined environmental pressure from various factors Signup and view all the answers

What would likely occur if the length of the growing season is significantly reduced?

Decline in plant survivability Signup and view all the answers

Which push factor would most directly inhibit tree growth at higher altitudes?

Extreme cold temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between diffusion and jump dispersal?

Diffusion happens slowly across hospitable terrain. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes secular dispersal?

Species diverge substantially due to environmental pressure over time. Signup and view all the answers

How does habitat suitability affect species distribution?

Only suitable habitats influence the ability of species to thrive. Signup and view all the answers

What role do anthropogenic factors play in species distribution?

They can alter habitats and affect dispersal patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is an example of jump dispersal?

A zebra mussel uses a ship's ballast water to reach a distant lake. Signup and view all the answers

What does the tree line phenomenon indicate about environmental adaptations?

It emphasizes the impact of altitude and temperature on vegetation. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a tree over slow diffusion if a long time passes during its spread?

It may evolve to have significantly different characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the term 'push and pull factors' in relation to species distribution?

Both push and pull factors can influence an organism's movement and habitat selection. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Slope and Soil

Steep slopes have minimal soil accumulation as gravity pulls soil downwards
Gentle slopes allow for greater soil accumulation, supporting tree growth

Tree Lines

Marked by a distinct boundary between forested and non-forested areas on hillsides
Presence of tree lines explained by multiple factors:
- Soil availability: Less soil on higher slopes restricts tree growth due to insufficient nutrients
- Water availability: Gravity pulls water downward, leading to drier conditions at higher elevations
- Winter conditions: Extreme cold, wind, and snow can damage or kill trees
- Growing season: Short growing seasons at higher elevations limit plant growth

Ecological Laws

Liebig's Law of the Minimum: A biological process is limited by the factor in shortest supply relative to the organism's needs
Dispersal Mechanisms: How species move and spread
- Diffusion: Slow gradual spread across hospitable terrain, driven by seed distribution
- Jump Dispersal: Rapid movement over long distances, often across inhospitable terrain. Example: Zebra mussels transported in ship ballast water
- Secular Dispersal: Diffusion over evolutionary timescales, leading to distinct populations. Example: Human migration out of Africa

Anthropogenic Factors

Human activity can influence tree lines and species distribution
Examples: deforestation, pollution, climate change

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Description

Explore the ecological principles governing slope dynamics and tree line formation. This quiz covers topics such as soil accumulation, water availability, and environmental factors that affect tree growth at various elevations. Understand key concepts like Liebig's Law of the Minimum and dispersal mechanisms in ecosystems.