Ecology Quiz: Generalist and Keystone Species

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes generalist species?

They inhabit one small range of conditions

They have a narrow niche

They are highly sensitive to environmental changes

They eat a variety of foods (correct)

A keystone species is important because:

Its role is crucial in maintaining ecosystem structure (correct)

It has the highest reproductive rate

It occupies the largest niche

It is the most common species in an ecosystem

What is an example of a density-independent factor?

Pollution (correct)

Food supply

Disease

Space availability

Genetic diversity is beneficial to a population because:

It allows a population to better respond to environmental stressors Signup and view all the answers

A bottleneck event:

Reduces genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

Inbreeding depression is most likely to occur in:

Small populations with little genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

The resilience of an ecosystem refers to its:

Ability to return to its original state after a disturbance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a provisioning service?

Timber production Signup and view all the answers

The first species to colonize an area after a disturbance are known as what type of species?

Pioneer species Signup and view all the answers

Species richness refers to which of the following?

The number of different species in an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent population control factor?

Space availability Signup and view all the answers

A species with a narrow niche and a specialized diet is classified as a:

Specialist species Signup and view all the answers

The idea that larger populations have more genetic diversity is crucial for what purpose?

Preventing inbreeding depression Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a cultural ecosystem service?

Scientific research in national parks Signup and view all the answers

Why are pioneer species important in the process of succession?

They modify the environment to make it more suitable for other species Signup and view all the answers

Primary succession typically begins with which of the following?

Lichens and mosses Signup and view all the answers

What does a species' range of ecological tolerance refer to?

The range of environmental conditions it can endure Signup and view all the answers

Which event is most likely to cause a bottleneck effect in a population?

Habitat destruction Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process where organisms better suited to their environment reproduce more successfully?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

An increase in global temperatures could shift a species outside of its:

Range of tolerance Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ecological succession occurs in a previously uninhabited area?

Primary succession Signup and view all the answers

Ecosystem services that help regulate climate and air quality are examples of:

Regulating services Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a human disruption to ecosystem services?

Forest regeneration Signup and view all the answers

What best describes genetic drift?

Random changes in gene frequencies in small populations Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes the consequence of reduced genetic diversity in a population?

Increased risk of inbreeding depression Signup and view all the answers

What does ecological tolerance refer to?

The range of environmental conditions an organism can endure Signup and view all the answers

Which ecosystem service is primarily responsible for carbon sequestration?

Regulating services Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an ecosystem with low resilience after a large disturbance?

It might shift to a new equilibrium state Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most important in determining the biodiversity of an island?

Distance from the mainland Signup and view all the answers

What describes a zone of intolerance?

Conditions where organisms die Signup and view all the answers

What can an invasive species lead to?

The extinction of native species Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about island biogeography theory?

Larger islands closer to the mainland have the highest species diversity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Generalist and Specialist Species

Generalist species have a broad niche and consume a variety of foods.
Specialist species possess narrow niches and require specific conditions for survival.

Keystone and Indicator Species

Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.
Indicator species reveal specific environmental conditions and biodiversity health within an area.

Population Dynamics and Genetic Diversity

Density-independent factors, such as pollution, affect populations regardless of their density.
Genetic diversity enhances a population's ability to adapt to environmental stressors; low diversity can lead to inbreeding depression.
Bottleneck events reduce genetic diversity due to drastic population size decreases, often from habitat destruction.

Ecosystem Resilience and Services

Ecosystem resilience is defined by the ability to return to an original state after disturbances.
Provisioning services, like timber production, provide direct benefits to humans, unlike regulating services that manage climate.

Ecological Succession

Primary succession begins in lifeless areas and involves the colonization of pioneer species, like lichens and mosses.
Secondary succession occurs in previously inhabited areas following disturbances, leading to species richness increases over time.

Island Biogeography

Island biogeography theory posits that larger islands closer to the mainland support greater species diversity due to accessible resources.
Distance from the mainland significantly influences species richness on islands.

Natural Selection and Adaptation

Natural selection drives adaptive radiation where species evolve to exploit different niches, often seen in environments rich in resources.
Increased global temperatures can push species beyond their range of tolerance, affecting survival.

Ecosystem Health and Human Impact

Human activities like deforestation and urbanization disrupt ecosystem services and threaten biodiversity.
Cultural ecosystem services encompass benefits like recreational opportunities and ecological education.

Genetic and Species Dynamics

Genetic drift occurs through random changes in gene frequencies, particularly in small populations, which can reduce genetic diversity.
Species richness, reflecting the number of different species in an ecosystem, indicates overall biodiversity health.

Disturbance and Ecosystem Recovery

Ecosystems with low resilience may struggle to recover after disturbances, potentially shifting to a new equilibrium state.
The introduction of invasive species often leads to the decline or extinction of native species, undermining ecosystem stability.

Summary of Key Concepts

Biodiversity encompasses genetic, species, and ecological diversity, essential for ecosystem resilience.
Ecosystem services are categorized as provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services, underpinning human well-being and ecological health.
Species interactions and dependencies highlight the complexity of ecological networks and the impacts of disturbances and human activities on biodiversity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on ecological concepts with this quiz focused on generalist and keystone species. Each question challenges you to understand the roles and definitions of these important ecological terms. Perfect for students studying biology or environmental science.