Introduction to Ecology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the field of ecology?

The genetic variation within species

The study of climate change effects

The physical geography of the planet

The relationships between organisms and their environment (correct)

Which course would likely cover topics on aquatic ecosystems and their organisms?

Animal Communication

Great Lakes Biology (correct)

Invertebrate Biology

Conservation Biology

Which statement accurately reflects the approach used in ecology?

It depends on the scientific method to test hypotheses. (correct)

It primarily emphasizes anecdotal observations of nature.

It advocates for subjective interpretations of ecological events.

It is solely based on historical ecological records.

What is an example of a specific area of study within ecology that looks at species interactions?

Community Ecology Signup and view all the answers

Which area of ecology would most likely examine the impact of environmental pollutants on ecosystems?

Pollution Ecology Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ecology' specifically refer to?

The study of organisms and their relationships with the environment Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best contrasts ecology with natural history?

Ecology is a systematic and quantitative study, whereas natural history is descriptive. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an abiotic environmental factor?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

What role do biotic factors play in an ecosystem?

They represent interactions among living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

How can ecosystems vary in size?

Ecosystems can be both large, such as the biosphere, and small, like a pitcher plant. Signup and view all the answers

Which species is described as having high resilience following a disturbance event?

Jack Pine Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a chronic stressor in an ecological context?

Nutrient levels in water Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stressor is characterized by being powerful but short-lived?

Disturbance stressor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as a climatic stress?

Lead concentration Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes anthropogenic stressors from natural stressors?

Anthropogenic stressors are caused by human development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of biomagnification in food chains?

Higher concentrations of toxins in top predators Signup and view all the answers

Which substance, when biomagnified, resulted in thin-shelled eggs in birds?

DDE Signup and view all the answers

What role do autotrophs play in ecosystems as described?

They synthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely ecological effect of high DDT concentrations in animals?

Near extinction of some raptor species Signup and view all the answers

How does the energy flow in food chains typically organize itself?

In a pyramid-shaped structure Signup and view all the answers

What influences an organism's performance and fitness regarding environmental stressors?

Phenotype and environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes phenotypic plasticity?

Ability to change phenotype in response to environmental changes Signup and view all the answers

What is a stressor in the context of environmental science?

An environmental factor limiting performance Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a fundamental niche from a realized niche?

Fundamental niche refers to potential conditions, realized niche refers to actual conditions Signup and view all the answers

How does the dandelion adapt to environmental stress compared to lawn grass?

Dandelion is more drought-resistant than lawn grass Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT limit the performance of organisms as a stressor?

Genetic diversity of the population Signup and view all the answers

Why might shaded dandelions invest more in leaves compared to those exposed to sunlight?

To increase photosynthesis efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of competition on an organism's realized niche?

It restricts the realized niche Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes the genetic information encoded within DNA?

Genotype Signup and view all the answers

What role do environmental stressors play in ecosystems?

They disrupt nutrient cycling and decomposition Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Ecology?

Ecology studies relationships between organisms and their environment.
The term "ecology" was coined in 1869, derived from Greek: "Oikos" (home) and "Logos" (study).
Distinct from natural history, which describes organisms in their habitats; ecology uses systematic and quantitative methods.

Environmental Factors

Abiotic Factors: Non-living environmental influences such as temperature, moisture, nutrients, fire, and toxins.
Biotic Factors: Living influences from other organisms, including competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, disease, and mutualism.

Ecosystems

Ecosystems are fundamental units in ecology, encompassing both abiotic and biotic components.
Sizes of ecosystems range from small (e.g., pitcher plant) to large (e.g., biosphere).
Ecosystem productivity is indicative of its functional performance.

Complexity of Ecology

Ecology is a multidisciplinary field encompassing various branches, promoting further study in related subjects.
Courses offered at the University of Windsor include Fish Ecology, Plant Ecology, and more, across fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Adaptation and Fitness

Organisms adapt to environmental stress, influencing their performance and fitness.
Example: Dandelions are better adapted to drought compared to lawn grass.

Genotype and Phenotype

Genotype: Genetic information encoded in DNA.
Phenotype: Expression of genetic potential, shaped by environmental conditions.
Phenotypic Plasticity: The ability of an organism to adjust its phenotype according to environmental changes.

Environmental Stressors

Stressor: Any environmental factor limiting the performance of organisms, populations, or communities.
Effects of stressors can be quantified by their impact on productivity, nutrient cycling, and decomposition.
Types of stressors include chronic (long-term) and disturbance (short-lived) stressors.

Types of Stress

Climatic Stress: Related to temperature, moisture, solar radiation, and wind conditions.
Chemical Stress: Includes toxic substances in high concentrations (e.g., heavy metals).
Physical Stress: Environmental conditions that challenge organism survival.

Biomagnification

Occurs when toxic chemicals accumulate in higher concentrations as they move up the food chain.
DDT led to significant population declines in top predators like hawks and eagles in the Great Lakes, causing thinner eggshells.
The sun powers life through autotrophs (which synthesize sugars) and heterotrophs (who consume autotrophs).

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of ecology, focusing on the relationships between organisms and their environments. It also discusses the etymology of the term 'ecology' and its significance in biological studies. Test your understanding of how these interactions shape ecosystems.