Ecology: Range of Tolerance and Limiting Factors

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Questions and Answers

What is negative feedback in a system?

Negative feedback is when the output of a process acts as an input that inhibits the process itself.

How does additional heat affect precipitation and surface conditions?

Additional heat can increase precipitation, leading to more snow cover, which reflects more sunlight.

What is homeostasis and its importance in systems?

Homeostasis is the maintenance of normal conditions within a system, which is crucial for stability and function.

Why do scientists simplify complex systems into models?

Scientists simplify complex systems into models to better understand and estimate their behavior given the uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption do farmers often make when applying pesticides and herbicides?

Farmers often assume that the changes from applying these chemicals will be minor, incremental, and linear. Signup and view all the answers

What is a workable knowledge system and what does it include?

A workable knowledge system is a high-quality data network that includes analytical models and integrates local knowledge with scientific research. Signup and view all the answers

What are some key components for enabling effective decision-making regarding resource management?

Key components include policy planning for assessment, coordination across agencies, and consensus-based decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

How does stakeholder participation influence decision-making in community projects?

Wide stakeholder participation fosters a sense of ownership and enhances the likelihood of successful project implementation. Signup and view all the answers

What role do limiting factors play in determining the growth of plants in an ecosystem?

Limiting factors restrict the presence and growth of plants by providing minimum necessary conditions, such as temperature, water, and nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of a niche differ from a habitat?

A niche encompasses the role and requirements of an organism, while a habitat refers specifically to the physical environment where it lives. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Competitive Exclusion Principle in the context of species coexistence.

The Competitive Exclusion Principle states that no two species can occupy the same niche simultaneously without competition, leading to the exclusion of one species. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a fundamental niche from a realized niche?

A fundamental niche represents the potential range of conditions an organism can inhabit, while the realized niche is the actual range that is occupied given competition and environmental constraints. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of organisms that dominate in specific precipitation conditions?

Trees thrive with about 1000mm of precipitation/year, while cacti and sagebrush are dominant in areas receiving less than 750mm. Signup and view all the answers

How do specialist and generalist species differ in their vulnerability to environmental changes?

Specialist species, like pandas that only eat bamboo, are more vulnerable to extinction due to their narrow resource requirements, whereas generalists can adapt to varied conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is water often considered a key determinant in the growth of plant species?

Water is vital for photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and overall plant health, making it a crucial limiting factor for growth. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do changes in salinity have on aquatic ecosystems?

Changes in salinity can limit the diversity and survival of aquatic species, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What strategies do prey species use to avoid being eaten by predators?

Prey species use camouflage, alarm calls, and grouping to evade predators. Signup and view all the answers

How do beavers serve as keystone species in their ecosystems?

Beavers build dams that control water levels, supporting various species and habitats in the area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of decreased biodiversity as observed in Canada?

The primary cause of decreased biodiversity in Canada is the variation in solar radiation and temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is mutualism, and can you provide an example?

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit; for instance, lichens consist of algae and fungi, providing nutrients and structure. Signup and view all the answers

In predator-prey dynamics, what happens to the populations of lynx and hares?

When hares are abundant, lynx populations increase, but if lynx overhunt hares, their numbers will decline. Signup and view all the answers

What role does genetic diversity play in a species' survival?

Genetic diversity increases resilience against pests, diseases, and environmental changes, aiding in species survival. Signup and view all the answers

Define parasitism and give a specific example.

Parasitism is a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of another; for example, tapeworms infecting hosts. Signup and view all the answers

Why is ecosystem diversity important for biodiversity overall?

Ecosystem diversity provides various habitats, which support a wider range of species and ecological functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of agricultural practices on species diversity?

Agricultural practices often reduce species diversity by eliminating weeds and pests, leading to monocultures. Signup and view all the answers

How do positive feedback loops function in natural systems?

Positive feedback loops occur when the output of a system enhances its own input, such as snow reflecting sunlight that speeds up its melting. Signup and view all the answers

What impacts do human activities have on biodiversity?

Human activities tend to decrease biodiversity, contributing to habitat loss and species endangerment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of biodiversity?

The three main types of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of an open system in natural systems.

An open system exchanges both matter and energy with its environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Carolinian Canada region in terms of biodiversity?

Carolinian Canada is significant for its high number of tree species and diverse bird populations, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Range of Tolerance (Niche)

Organisms have a range of environmental conditions they can tolerate and survive.
Factors like warmth, light, water, food, and predators can limit an organism's range.

Limiting Factors

Many factors limit the presence of plants and animals:
- Low temperatures limit plant growth.
- Lack of water limits growth in most ecosystems.
- Salinity changes in aquatic ecosystems.
- Lack of iron in ocean surface limits photosynthesis.
- Low phosphorus limits plant growth.

Dominant Limiting Factor

All factors necessary for survival have minimum levels.
The factor closest to this minimum is the dominant limiting factor.
Agriculture aims to remove or reduce these limiting factors (e.g., removing competing plants, supplying water, using fertilizers).
Precipitation is often a key limiting factor:
- Trees require about 1000 mm of precipitation per year.
- Grass dominates between 750-1000 mm/yr.
- Cacti and sagebrush thrive below that.
- Tundra has standing water, ideal for mosquitoes.

Habitat

An organism's niche surroundings.
Includes space, resources (food, water, shelter), and reproduction needs.
Terrestrial habitats are land-based.
Aquatic habitats are water-based.
Habitats can be more specifically defined (forest, meadow, marsh, lake).

Competitive Exclusion Principle

No two species can occupy the same niche in the same area.
Competition can occur between members of the same species or different species with similar habitats.

Fundamental vs. Realized Niche

In stable communities, niches are filled.
No two species occupy the same niche at the same time.
Species want to reduce competition and maximize reproduction.

Competition and Resource Partitioning

Different species use resources in different ways.
Example: Different birds feed in different parts of a tree.
Nocturnal vs. daytime feeders.
Specialist species (e.g., pandas) are more vulnerable than generalists (e.g., black bears).
Territoriality; behaviors to mark and defend a space for resources or reproduction.

Predator-Prey Relationships

Population size of prey species may be controlled by predators.
Predators use optimal foraging techniques (e.g., finding weaker prey individuals).
Predator and prey populations fluctuate (e.g., lynx and hare populations).
Prey have evolved defenses (camouflage, alarm calls, grouping).
Plants defend themselves with thorns or poisons.

Symbiotic Relationships

Parasitism

One species benefits, the other is harmed.
Examples: tapeworms, ticks, lampreys, mistletoe.

Mutualism

Both species benefit.
Examples: lichens (algae and fungus).

Commensalism

One species benefits, the other is neither harmed nor helped.
Example: Cattle stirring up insects for birds to eat.

Keystone Species

Their removal significantly impacts the food chain and habitats of other species.
Beavers are keystone species, controlling water flow and habitats for others (waterfowl, muskrats, frogs, otters).

Types of Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity

Variation within a species
High genetic diversity increases ability to survive change.

Species Diversity

Variety of species within a community
Replacement species if one is removed.

Ecosystem Diversity

Different habitats for living things.
Human activities often decrease ecosystem diversity.

Biodiversity Count

Approximately 1.8 million species identified, but possibly 5-20 million unknown.
Insects constitute the largest proportion.
Ocean ecosystems have significant biodiversity.
Greater diversity reduces extinction risk.

Biodiversity in Canada

Biodiversity generally decreases further from the equator.
Canada's biodiversity is lower than other areas.
Solar radiation (temperature) influences evolutionary rate; seasonal changes also play a role.
Carolinian Canada has high tree species diversity.
Includes a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, which is important in maintaining the birds.

What is a System?

A set of interacting elements that produce a desired outcome.
Examples: education systems, transportation systems, building heating systems.
Natural systems: pollination, ocean currents.
Input: matter and energy entering a system.
Output: matter and energy leaving a system.
Throughput: movement of matter and energy within a system.
Closed system: exchanges energy but not matter.
Open system: exchanges both matter and energy.

Natural Systems:

The biosphere is composed of various interconnected natural systems.
Systems are prone to change; humans adapt or try to mitigate change.
Example scenarios include a farmer dealing with drought.

Positive and Negative Feedback

Positive feedback: output enhances input, continuing the process.
Negative feedback: output inhibits the process to maintain equilibrium.

Homeostasis

Maintaining stable internal conditions.

Models in Science

Models simplify complex systems for easier study.
Models are used to predict consequences of changes.
Model examples include crop yield maximization through farming practices.

Models

Models are generalizations of reality, used when direct testing isn't possible.

A Workable Knowledge System

Data quality should be high in a uniform comprehensive system accessible to stakeholders.
Models integrate best choices.
Indigenous and local knowledge is integrated with scientific research.

Enabling Effective Decision Making

Effective systems plan for assessment, development, management, and environmental monitoring supported by laws and enforcement mechanisms.
Coordination among decision-makers.
Consensual decision-making.
Awareness and participation from stakeholders.

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Description

Explore the concepts of range of tolerance and limiting factors in ecology. Understand how environmental conditions affect the survival of organisms and discover the dominant limiting factors that influence plant and animal presence in ecosystems. This quiz will enhance your knowledge about ecological balances and agricultural practices.