Limiting Factors in Ecosystems
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How do fire and tree cutting affect light availability in terrestrial ecosystems?

  • They create more moisture in the atmosphere.
  • They increase shade and reduce light.
  • They have no impact on light levels.
  • They remove shade and expose organisms to more light. (correct)

What is a consequence of damming rivers in terms of water availability?

  • It has no significant effect on water levels.
  • It leads to reduced water availability. (correct)
  • It creates natural irrigation systems.
  • It improves water availability for all organisms.

Which action is likely to increase nutrient levels in aquatic ecosystems?

  • Fertilizer runoff from agricultural fields. (correct)
  • Limiting industrial waste discharge.
  • Using natural fertilizers.
  • Implementing conservation practices.

How does industrial waste impact temperature in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>It warms the water, affecting aquatic life. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does increased salinity from highway salting have on aquatic ecosystems?

<p>It can harm aquatic life due to higher salt concentrations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biotic factor involves two individuals competing for the same resource?

<p>Competition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines predation in an ecosystem?

<p>One species is harmed while the other benefits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of symbiosis?

<p>Cleaner fish eating parasites off a larger fish. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which human action can alter nutrient availability in soil?

<p>Farming practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential impact of global warming on species adaptation?

<p>Reduces available habitat for cool-adapted species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

<p>Any factor that restricts population size or habitation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can abiotic factors influence species distribution?

<p>Through conditions like temperature and precipitation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might happen to species with a narrow tolerance range when environmental conditions change?

<p>They could face extinction due to habitat loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic limiting factor?

<p>Water availability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do limiting factors play in a healthy ecosystem?

<p>They help prevent overpopulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which species is likely to have a wide tolerance range?

<p>Cacti that thrive in various conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can human activities act as limiting factors in ecosystems?

<p>Through pollution and habitat destruction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if there are unlimited resources available in an ecosystem?

<p>Populations can grow rapidly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates a biotic limiting factor?

<p>Predators competing for the same food (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might too much rainfall be detrimental to cacti?

<p>Excess water can rot their shallow roots (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of symbiotic relationship involves both individuals benefiting from each other?

<p>Mutualism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustain?

<p>Carrying Capacity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

<p>Barnacles on a humpback whale (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which human action is least likely to positively affect the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

<p>Urban development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to a decrease in carrying capacity?

<p>Natural disasters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the lynx population if the snowshoe hare population decreases?

<p>Lynx population also decreases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an abiotic factor that can affect carrying capacity?

<p>Availability of water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Invasive species can negatively impact an ecosystem by:

<p>Competing with native organisms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of habitat loss caused by human actions?

<p>Displacement of native species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes parasitism?

<p>One organism harms another for its own benefit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the availability of sunlight can act as a limiting factor in a forest ecosystem.

<p>Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which is the process plants use to produce food. In a dense forest, tall trees can block sunlight from reaching the forest floor, limiting the growth of smaller plants and shrubs. This can create competition for sunlight and affect the overall species diversity of the ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a sudden decrease in the population of a predator species might affect the prey population in an ecosystem.

<p>A decrease in predator population can lead to an increase in the prey population. Without the predator's control, the prey population can grow unchecked, potentially exceeding the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. This can lead to resource scarcity and potentially disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of tolerance range and its significance in determining the distribution of species in different ecosystems.

<p>Tolerance range refers to the range of abiotic conditions, such as temperature, humidity, or salinity, within which a species can survive and reproduce. Species with a wide tolerance range can adapt to a variety of ecosystems, while those with a narrow tolerance range are more restricted to specific environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how human activities, such as deforestation, can act as limiting factors in ecosystems.

<p>Deforestation can have a significant impact on ecosystems by reducing habitat availability, altering nutrient cycles, and changing the microclimate. The loss of trees can lead to soil erosion, reduced water infiltration, and increased runoff, ultimately affecting the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a sudden increase in the availability of a specific nutrient, such as nitrogen, in an aquatic ecosystem can potentially harm the ecosystem.

<p>A sudden increase in nitrogen, a key nutrient, can lead to algal blooms. This excessive growth depletes oxygen levels in the water, creating a dead zone where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive. This imbalance in nutrient levels can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a limiting factor in a terrestrial ecosystem and explain how it restricts the growth of a specific population.

<p>Water availability can act as a limiting factor in a desert ecosystem. Cacti, while adapted to arid conditions, require a certain amount of water for survival. Prolonged droughts can severely limit their growth and reproduction, leading to a decrease in the cacti population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how competition for resources can act as a limiting factor for a species.

<p>Competition for resources, such as food, water, or shelter, can limit the population growth of a species. When several species compete for the same limited resources, the strongest or most adaptable individuals are likely to survive and reproduce, leading to a natural selection process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how human activities can impact the tolerance range of a species.

<p>Human activities, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, can significantly impact the tolerance range of a species. These activities can alter the abiotic conditions within an ecosystem, making it challenging for species to survive beyond their existing tolerances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the presence of a keystone species can influence the overall structure and diversity of an ecosystem.

<p>Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and diversity of an ecosystem. Their removal or decline can have cascading effects on the entire food web, potentially leading to a collapse in the ecosystem's structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concept of carrying capacity relates to the concept of limiting factors.

<p>Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustainably support. Limiting factors determine the carrying capacity by restricting population growth and impacting the availability of resources, such as food and water. When a population exceeds the carrying capacity, limiting factors eventually cause the population to decline back to a sustainable level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increased light availability in terrestrial ecosystems impact plant growth?

<p>Increased light availability generally boosts photosynthesis, promoting enhanced plant growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of agricultural runoff on aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Agricultural runoff can increase nutrient levels, leading to algal blooms and eutrophication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can competition affect the survival rate of species in an ecosystem?

<p>Competition can limit resources available to species, potentially reducing their survival and reproduction rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increased acidity in aquatic ecosystems affect biodiversity?

<p>Increased acidity can harm sensitive species, reducing biodiversity by favoring more tolerant organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does temperature play as a limiting factor in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Temperature influences metabolic rates and breeding of aquatic species, affecting their survival in varying climates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of industrial waste heating water bodies for aquatic wildlife?

<p>Heated water can lead to localized temperature increases, which may kill fish and disturb aquatic habitats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does salinity affect freshwater organisms when it increases due to human activities?

<p>Increased salinity can lead to osmotic stress, potentially resulting in reduced survival rates for freshwater species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way can fire influence nutrient availability in terrestrial ecosystems?

<p>Fire can release nutrients trapped in vegetation into the soil, temporarily enhancing nutrient availability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do human-induced changes in light availability affect aquatic plant life?

<p>Increased erosion or sediment disruption can decrease light penetration, harming aquatic plant growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of symbiotic relationships in ecosystems?

<p>Symbiotic relationships can lead to mutual benefits or dependencies, influencing population dynamics and community structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of symbiotic relationships?

<p>Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does carrying capacity relate to population growth in an ecosystem?

<p>Carrying capacity is the maximum population size an ecosystem can sustain, which limits further population growth as resources become scarce.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way can a forest fire affect the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

<p>A forest fire decreases tree numbers, temporarily lowering carrying capacity, but can lead to increased growth of new plants afterward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact do invasive species typically have on native species in an ecosystem?

<p>Invasive species can outcompete native organisms for resources, leading to declines or displacement of native populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can human pollution influence the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

<p>Pollution can degrade habitats and reduce the availability of food and clean water, lowering the carrying capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between snowshoe hares and lynx in terms of carrying capacity.

<p>As the population of snowshoe hares increases, the lynx population also increases due to more available prey.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is mutualism and can you give an example?

<p>Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit; for example, bacteria on soybean roots enhance nutrient availability for the plant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does habitat loss play in altering the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

<p>Habitat loss reduces available resources and living space for species, decreasing the overall carrying capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define parasitism and provide an example.

<p>Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another; for example, tapeworms in cats and dogs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of abiotic factors on an ecosystem's carrying capacity?

<p>Abiotic factors, like water availability and temperature, directly impact the resources necessary for species survival, influencing carrying capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Limiting Factor

Any factor that restricts the size of a population or its habitat.

Abiotic Limiting Factors

Factors that influence where a species can live, such as temperature and precipitation.

Tolerance Range

A range of abiotic conditions within which a species can survive.

Wide Tolerance Range

The ability of a species to survive in a variety of ecosystems.

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Exponential Growth

The rapid population growth that occurs when there are no limiting factors.

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Limiting Factor

A factor that prevents overpopulation in a healthy ecosystem.

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Resource Availability

How much food, water, and space is available for a population.

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Food Availability

The amount of food available to a population.

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Water Availability

The amount of water available to a population.

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Space Availability

The amount of space available for a population.

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Predation

One organism feeds on another.

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Competition

When two or more individuals of different species need the same resource (e.g., food, water, light), they may compete.

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Symbiosis

Two species live in close proximity, with one benefiting by the other's presence.

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How does deforestation affect light availability?

The removal of trees can increase light availability, making it easier for other plants to survive.

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How can dams impact water availability in an ecosystem?

The construction of dams can limit water availability downstream, affecting the organisms that depend on it.

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How can fertilizer runoff impact aquatic ecosystems?

Excessive fertilizer runoff can lead to increased nutrients in bodies of water, stimulating excessive algae growth, which can deplete oxygen levels.

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How can pollution from burning fossil fuels impact aquatic ecosystems?

Burning fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants that can increase acid rain, harming aquatic ecosystems.

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How can industrial wastewater impact aquatic ecosystems?

Industries releasing heated water into rivers or lakes can raise the temperature, leading to fish kills and other negative effects.

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How can salting roads impact aquatic ecosystems?

Salting highways and excessive irrigation can increase salt levels in the soil and water, harming some plants and animals.

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Mutualism

A relationship between two species where both species benefit from the interaction.

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Commensalism

A relationship between two species where one species benefits and the other species is not affected.

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Parasitism

A relationship between two species where one species benefits and the other species is harmed.

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Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size of a species that a given ecosystem can sustain.

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Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Factors that can change the carrying capacity of an ecosystem, such as fires, floods, or disease outbreaks.

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Human Actions

The process by which humans can directly impact the carrying capacity of an ecosystem.

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Habitat Loss

The destruction of natural landscapes due to human activities, such as mining or urbanization.

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Pollution

The release of harmful substances into the environment, such as pollution from factories or pesticides.

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Invasive Species

The introduction of non-native species into an ecosystem, which can outcompete native organisms.

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Study Notes

Limiting Factors in Ecosystems

  • Limiting factors are any factor that restricts the size of a population or where it can live, whether abiotic or biotic
  • Human influences can also be limiting factors
  • Various combinations of abiotic and biotic factors cause populations to increase or decrease within a given ecosystem
  • If unlimited food, water, and space, populations grow rapidly. 10 breeding pairs of rabbits could become 10 million pairs in three years.
  • However, limiting factors prevent overpopulation.

Abiotic Limiting Factors

  • Factors like temperature and precipitation influence species' locations.
    • Example: Cacti thrive in dry conditions; too much rainfall can cause their shallow roots to rot.
  • Each species has a tolerance range, a range of abiotic conditions where the species can survive.
  • Species with wide tolerance ranges live in various ecosystems, such as raccoons in hot forests or cold forests.
  • Key abiotic factors in terrestrial ecosystems include light availability, water availability, nutrient availability, and temperature. Human activities can affect these factors.
    • Ex. Forest fires reduce light, damming rivers reduce water, and agriculture changes nutrient levels in soil.
  • Key abiotic factors in aquatic ecosystems include light availability, nutrient availability, acidity, temperature, and salinity. Human activities can affect these factors.
    • Ex. Increased erosion reduces light at depths, fertilizer runoff increases nutrients causing algal blooms, and pollution increases acidity

Biotic Limiting Factors

  • Abiotic factors usually determine where species can live.
  • Biotic factors largely determine how easily species can survive in an ecosystem
  • Examples of biotic factors include competition, predation, and symbiosis
  • Biotic factors describe how individuals from a community interact with one another.
    • Competition: When two individuals seek the same resources (food, water light) - Example: Foxes and coyotes competing for mice
    • Predation: When one individual feeds on another - Example: Lynx feeding on snowshoe hares
    • Symbiosis: When two species live in/on/near each other. - There are three symbiotic relationships - Mutualism: Both species benefit. Example: bacteria on soybean roots - Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected. Example: barnacles on a whale - Parasitism: One species lives on/in another and feeds on it. Example: tapeworms in cats or dogs

Carrying Capacity

  • As a population grows, it needs more food, water, and space
  • Carrying capacity is the maximum population size a given ecosystem can support
  • Abiotic and biotic factors (including human ones) influence carrying capacity.
    • Example: a forest fire can reduce trees but increase space for plants allowing more plants to survive
  • A population of snowshoe hares and lynx show a direct relationship; as one increases or decreases, the other follows suit.

Human Actions Affecting Carrying Capacity

  • Habitat Loss: Humans destroy natural landscapes for resources and urbanizing areas; this displaces species, diminishing habitat and food sources
  • Pollution: Runoff of chemicals, energy-related pollution (noise, light) negatively affect ecosystems
  • Invasive Species: Humans introduce non-native species that can outcompete native organisms
  • Overexploitation: Humans take large quantities of natural resources (mining, hunting/fishing, deforestation)
  • Non-renewable Resources: Overuse of fossil fuels causes harm to the environment, whereas recycling and renewable resources decrease impact

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Limiting Factors in Ecosystems PDF

Description

Explore the concept of limiting factors that affect population sizes in ecosystems. This quiz covers both abiotic and biotic influences on population dynamics, including human impacts. Understand how factors like temperature and precipitation define species' locations and survival.

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