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Questions and Answers
What is a biological community?
What is a biological community?
- A group of organisms that live in a specific area but do not interact with each other
- A group of organisms that interact with each other in a specific area (correct)
- A group of organisms that are similar in species
- A group of organisms that are different in species
What is the primary benefit of the relationship between reef-building corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellates?
What is the primary benefit of the relationship between reef-building corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellates?
- Both partners receive equal benefits from the relationship (correct)
- The dinoflagellates provide energy for the coral
- The coral provides a shelter for the dinoflagellates
- The coral and dinoflagellates compete for resources
What is the result of predation on prey species?
What is the result of predation on prey species?
- Predator populations decrease
- Prey species evolve diverse adaptations to avoid predation (correct)
- Prey species become extinct
- Predator populations increase
What is an example of a mechanical defense in prey species?
What is an example of a mechanical defense in prey species?
What is the term for the relationship between two species in which both partners benefit?
What is the term for the relationship between two species in which both partners benefit?
What is the sequence of food transfer up the trophic levels known as?
What is the sequence of food transfer up the trophic levels known as?
What is the role of producers in a food web?
What is the role of producers in a food web?
What is the term for the waste products produced by coral animals that are used by photosynthetic dinoflagellates?
What is the term for the waste products produced by coral animals that are used by photosynthetic dinoflagellates?
Which type of consumer is responsible for consuming primary consumers?
Which type of consumer is responsible for consuming primary consumers?
What is the term for the pattern of feeding relationships consisting of several different levels in a community?
What is the term for the pattern of feeding relationships consisting of several different levels in a community?
What is species diversity defined by?
What is species diversity defined by?
Which type of organism breaks down organic matter in an ecosystem?
Which type of organism breaks down organic matter in an ecosystem?
What is the purpose of secondary metabolites in plants?
What is the purpose of secondary metabolites in plants?
What is the result of coevolution between herbivores and plants?
What is the result of coevolution between herbivores and plants?
What is the effect of non-native pathogens on community composition?
What is the effect of non-native pathogens on community composition?
What is the name of the compound found in bitter almonds and peaches?
What is the name of the compound found in bitter almonds and peaches?
What is the term for the process of one species mimicking another?
What is the term for the process of one species mimicking another?
What is the current impact of a fungus-like pathogen on the West Coast?
What is the current impact of a fungus-like pathogen on the West Coast?
What is the energy value of the plant material eaten by the caterpillar?
What is the energy value of the plant material eaten by the caterpillar?
What is the percentage of energy from the previous trophic level that is available to the next trophic level, according to the 10% rule?
What is the percentage of energy from the previous trophic level that is available to the next trophic level, according to the 10% rule?
Which process converts nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere into a form that can be used by plants?
Which process converts nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere into a form that can be used by plants?
What is a keystone species defined as?
What is a keystone species defined as?
What is the term for the decomposition of organic matter, resulting in the release of nutrients?
What is the term for the decomposition of organic matter, resulting in the release of nutrients?
What is the term for the excessive growth of algae and other organisms in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in the depletion of oxygen?
What is the term for the excessive growth of algae and other organisms in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in the depletion of oxygen?
What is the process called when a disturbed area is colonized by a variety of species, which are gradually replaced by a succession of other species?
What is the process called when a disturbed area is colonized by a variety of species, which are gradually replaced by a succession of other species?
What is a characteristic of primary succession?
What is a characteristic of primary succession?
Which organisms are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter in soil?
Which organisms are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter in soil?
What is an example of a disturbance that can affect a biological community?
What is an example of a disturbance that can affect a biological community?
What is the main role of a keystone species in its community?
What is the main role of a keystone species in its community?
What is the term used to describe the impact of a species on its community?
What is the term used to describe the impact of a species on its community?
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Study Notes
Plant Defenses Against Herbivores
- Plants have evolved defense mechanisms against herbivores, including spines, thorns, and chemical toxins.
- These chemical toxins, known as secondary metabolites, can be used medicinally or for other purposes.
- Examples of toxic plants include Solanaceae (e.g., tomatoes and potatoes), which contain alkaloids like solanine.
Coevolution Between Herbivores and Plants
- Herbivores and plants undergo coevolution, where changes in one species act as a selective force on the other species.
- This leads to adaptations in both species, affecting the selection of individuals in the first species.
Parasites and Pathogens
- Non-native pathogens can have rapid and dramatic impacts on communities.
- Examples include the chestnut blight and sudden oak death.
Community Structure and Dynamics
- A community includes all organisms inhabiting a particular area, with potential interactions.
- Community structure refers to the composition of species and their populations in a community.
- Community dynamics refers to the interactions among species and their environments.
Mutualism
- Mutualism benefits both partners, such as in the relationship between reef-building corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellates.
- Photosynthetic dinoflagellates gain shelter and access to light, while corals use the sugars produced by photosynthesis.
Predation and Adaptations
- Predation leads to diverse adaptations in prey species, including camouflage, mechanical defenses, and chemical defenses.
- Prey adapt to protect themselves from predators.
Trophic Structure and Food Webs
- Trophic structure refers to the pattern of feeding relationships in a community.
- Food chains and food webs show the sequence of energy transfer from producers to consumers.
- Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients.
Species Diversity
- Species diversity includes relative abundance and species richness.
- The 10% rule states that only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
Biogeochemical Cycles
- Biogeochemical cycles involve the movement of elements through ecosystems.
- Examples include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.
Interspecific Interactions
- Interspecific interactions can significantly impact species diversity in a community.
- Keystone species have a disproportionate impact on diversity, occupying a niche that holds the rest of the community in place.
Disturbances and Ecological Succession
- Disturbances, such as storms, fires, and floods, can damage biological communities.
- Ecological succession is the process of colonization and replacement of species in a disturbed area.
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