Species Distribution Limits
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Questions and Answers

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of dispersal limiting a species' distribution?

  • A forest experiences a devastating fire, leading to the local extinction of several plant and animal species.
  • A species of bird is found only on one island because it is physically unable to fly to neighboring islands. (correct)
  • A plant species thrives in a variety of soil types but is limited by the availability of sunlight.
  • A population of fish is unable to thrive in a new lake due to high levels of pollution.

Cattle egrets, originally from Africa, have expanded their range to North America. What ecological concept does this exemplify?

  • Competitive exclusion
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Natural range expansion (correct)
  • Resource partitioning

What conclusion can be drawn if a transplanted species survives and reproduces sustainably in a new area?

  • The species' actual range is larger than its potential range.
  • The transplant was unsuccessful
  • The species' potential range is larger than its actual range. (correct)
  • The species' potential range is smaller than its actual range.

The removal of long-spined sea urchins from experimental plots led to a dramatic increase in seaweed cover. What does this suggest about the urchins?

<p>The sea urchins act as a biotic limitation on seaweed distribution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios illustrates a biotic factor limiting a species' distribution?

<p>A plant species is absent from an area due to the presence of a specific herbivore that feeds on it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A species of plant is pollinated by a specific species of insect. If the insect population declines drastically, what is the most likely consequence for the plant?

<p>The plant population will decline due to limited pollination. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would be most likely to lead to adaptive radiation?

<p>A population of birds becomes geographically isolated on an island with diverse food sources and habitats. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the importance of dispersal in overcoming geographic barriers?

<p>A plant species colonizes a remote island via wind-dispersed seeds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ecologists studying the distribution of a tree species notice it is absent from areas with high rabbit populations, despite suitable climate and soil conditions. What should they investigate?

<p>The role of rabbits as herbivores consuming seedlings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do ecologists rarely move species to new regions to study dispersal limitations?

<p>Introduced species may disrupt existing ecosystems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most likely reason that a plant species cannot survive in a particular habitat?

<p>The soil pH is outside the plant's tolerance range. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are kangaroos primarily found in Australia and nowhere else in the world?

<p>Kangaroos evolved in Australia after it had already geographically isolated, thus limiting their ability to spread. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might increased water temperature due to climate change affect the distribution of a marine species?

<p>It could expand its range towards cooler waters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary abiotic factor limiting the northern distribution of saguaro cacti?

<p>The saguaros can only tolerate freezing temperatures for very brief periods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are amphibians particularly vulnerable to desiccation compared to other terrestrial organisms?

<p>They rely on their skin for gas exchange, requiring a moist surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides temperature, what other factor significantly influences the distribution of saguaros, particularly in the western Sonoran Desert?

<p>The saguaros can only grow in areas with consistent, moist conditions for seedling survival. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do mangroves adapt to survive in flooded wetland soils with low oxygen content?

<p>They have specialized roots that project above the water to obtain oxygen. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding both ecological and evolutionary history important when studying species distributions?

<p>Evolutionary history defines where a species <em>can</em> be found, while ecological factors define where a species <em>will</em> be found. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which salinity affects the distribution of aquatic organisms?

<p>Disruption of the organisms' ability to osmoregulate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do salmon maintain their water balance when migrating between freshwater streams and the ocean?

<p>By adjusting the amount of water they drink and the direction of salt transport in their gills. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the saguaro cactus distribution, what might happen if climate change leads to more frequent and prolonged freezing events in the Sonoran Desert?

<p>The saguaro population could shift southward to escape freezing temperatures, reducing their current range. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a species of migratory bird that feeds exclusively on saguaro fruit were introduced to a new region with a similar climate but no saguaros, what would most likely happen to the bird population over time?

<p>Without its primary food source, the bird population would likely decline or fail to establish in the new region. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does shading by leaves in a forest primarily affect the distribution of plant species on the forest floor?

<p>It limits the amount of sunlight available for photosynthesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A species of plant is found to be endemic to a remote island. Which combination of historical and ecological factors would best explain this distribution?

<p>The plant evolved on the island after it became isolated; the island's climate is too extreme for most other species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the amount of red and blue light as you descend deeper into an aquatic environment, and how does this affect photosynthetic organisms?

<p>Red light is absorbed more quickly than blue light, limiting photosynthesis at greater depths. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best strategy when predicting a species' potential range if climate change alters abiotic conditions?

<p>Consider both the species' physiological tolerances and potential dispersal capabilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a species' tolerance range for temperature is exceeded in its current habitat due to climate change. Which of the following is the most likely initial response of the species?

<p>The species will likely experience a population decline or shift its distribution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How could a change in the geographic range of one species, such as the sea urchin C. rodgersii, affect the distribution of other species in the same ecosystem?

<p>It could cause a trophic cascade leading to declines in some populations and increases in others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might two otherwise similar species have vastly different distributions?

<p>One species has a broader thermal tolerance range due to differing gene expressions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would best describe the interacting roles of biotic and abiotic factors in determining species distribution?

<p>A plant species thrives within a specific temperature range (abiotic), and its population density is further influenced by the presence of herbivores (biotic). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies how historical contingency impacts species distribution?

<p>A plant species' distribution is limited to a specific island because it evolved there after the island separated from the mainland. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Saguaro cacti are notably absent from regions west of their current distribution in the Sonoran Desert, despite suitable temperatures. What primary factor limits their growth in these areas?

<p>Insufficient water availability for seedling survival. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a species, like the kangaroo, be found on one continent and nowhere else, despite the presence of seemingly suitable habitats elsewhere?

<p>The species has not had the opportunity to disperse to other continents due to geographical barriers and historical factors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a population of saguaro cacti is introduced to a new area with similar temperatures to the Sonoran Desert, but with significantly less predictable rainfall. How would this likely affect the population's long-term survival?

<p>The population would likely decline due to insufficient seedling recruitment during dry years. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a prolonged period of unusually high temperatures impact a population of fish living near their thermal tolerance limit?

<p>The distribution of the fish population may shift to cooler regions if available. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate conclusion regarding the factors affecting species distribution?

<p>Evolutionary history and ecological factors, both abiotic and biotic, interact to determine a species' distribution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of deforestation on local water cycles?

<p>Reduced water infiltration into the soil, potentially leading to increased flooding and drought. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a plant species adapted to high-light environments struggle to survive in the understory of a dense forest?

<p>The plant can not capture enough sunlight for photosynthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If saguaro cacti were found to suddenly thrive at elevations higher than their current limit of 1,200 m, what environmental change would most likely explain this?

<p>A significant warming trend, reducing the frequency of freezing temperatures at higher elevations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would MOST directly demonstrate dispersal limitation in a plant species?

<p>A plant species is absent from a seemingly suitable habitat due to a lack of an effective seed dispersal mechanism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does salinity primarily affect the distribution of aquatic organisms?

<p>By interfering with the ability of organisms to maintain proper water balance via osmosis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that red kangaroos thrive in the arid grasslands of central Australia but are absent in the tall, open forests of eastern Australia, what can be inferred about their ecological requirements?

<p>Red kangaroos are adapted to the specific vegetation and environmental conditions of arid grasslands, which are not present in the eastern forests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a species of freshwater fish is introduced into a saltwater environment. What is the most likely outcome?

<p>The fish will likely die due to osmotic stress. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mangrove forests thrive in coastal areas with high salinity and low oxygen levels in the soil. How do they overcome these abiotic stressors?

<p>By having specialized roots that project above the water to obtain oxygen and filter salt. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a species of beetle is found to be phoretically dependent on a specific species of kangaroo for dispersal (the beetles attach themselves to the kangaroo to move to new habitats), what could happen to the beetle population if the kangaroo population declines significantly?

<p>The beetle population would likely decline due to limited dispersal opportunities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why oxygen availability can be a limiting factor in deep ocean environments?

<p>Decomposition of organic matter by bacteria consumes oxygen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Researchers observe that a particular species of migratory bird is expanding its breeding range northward. Which of the following factors is most likely contributing to this range expansion?

<p>Climate change leading to warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons in northern areas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might increased sediment runoff into a coastal marine environment affect the distribution of photosynthetic organisms?

<p>Increased sediment would reduce water clarity, limiting light available for photosynthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely long-term consequence of rising sea temperatures due to climate change on species distributions in marine environments?

<p>Species will experience range shifts, local extinctions, and altered community structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population of plants is found to be restricted to a serpentine soil environment, which is characterized by low calcium and high concentrations of heavy metals. What is the most likely explanation for this distribution?

<p>The plants have adapted to tolerate the toxic conditions of serpentine soils, but are outcompeted by other plants in normal soils. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely conclusion if an ecologist transplants a species to a new area, and it survives but does not reproduce?

<p>Abiotic factors in the new area are suitable, but biotic factors are not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of species distribution, why are long-distance dispersal events particularly significant?

<p>They can lead to adaptive radiation and the filling of new ecological niches. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might an introduced predator influence the distribution of its prey, assuming the prey has no evolved defenses against the predator?

<p>The prey's distribution will likely contract, potentially leading to local extinction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the effect of a biotic factor limiting a plant species' distribution?

<p>A plant species is absent from areas heavily populated by a specific herbivore. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do ecologists often study the outcomes of accidental species introductions instead of intentionally moving species to new regions?

<p>Intentional introductions carry a high risk of unintended and harmful ecological consequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of a specific pollinator most likely affect the distribution of a plant species?

<p>It expands the plant’s distribution by facilitating reproduction in otherwise inaccessible areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a successful species transplant suggest about the factors limiting the species' distribution?

<p>The species' potential range is larger than its actual range, indicating dispersal limitations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a bacterial disease that specifically targets saguaros influence their distribution?

<p>It would likely contract the saguaro's distribution, especially in areas where the disease is prevalent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cattle egrets expanded their range from Africa to the Americas. What does this range expansion demonstrate about dispersal?

<p>Dispersal can occur over long distances and lead to the colonization of new areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an ecologist observes an inverse relationship between the abundance of sea urchins and seaweed, what is the most likely explanation for this pattern regarding limiting factors?

<p>The sea urchins are likely limiting the distribution of the seaweed through herbivory. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Species distribution

The geographical range where a species is found.

Ecological factors

Environmental conditions that impact species survival and distribution.

Evolutionary history

The historical development that affects where species exist today.

Kangaroo distribution

Kangaroos are found only in Australia due to isolation and history.

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Abiotic factors

Non-living environmental components like temperature and water.

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Biotic factors

Living components of ecosystems that affect species distribution, like competition and predation.

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Saguaro cactus

A species found mainly in the Sonoran Desert, sensitive to temperature and water.

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Temperature limits

External temperature conditions that restrict the ranges of certain species.

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Moist conditions

Regular wet conditions necessary for the survival of certain species, such as saguaro seedlings.

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Species habitat preference

The specific environments where species thrive based on ecological factors.

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Dispersal

Movement of individuals or gametes away from their area of origin, influencing species distribution.

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Range Expansion

When a species colonizes a new area where it did not exist before.

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Adaptive Radiation

Rapid evolution of an ancestral species into multiple new species filling different niches.

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Species Transplants

Intentional or accidental introduction of a species to a new area to study its distribution limitations.

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Predation

Interaction where one organism (predator) kills another (prey), affecting species survival.

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Herbivory

Consumption of plants or algae by organisms, influencing availability of these resources.

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Biotic Limitations

Factors such as competition or disease that restrict the distribution of a species.

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Pollinators

Organisms that transfer pollen, essential for the reproduction of many plants.

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Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease, often affecting species distribution.

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Temperature's Role

Temperature affects biological processes and species distributions significantly.

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Thermophilic Prokaryotes

Organisms that thrive at extreme temperatures outside typical ranges.

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Impact of Climate Change

Climate change alters species' geographic ranges, affecting ecosystems.

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Water Availability

Variation in water affects species' ability to survive and thrive in habitats.

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Oxygen in Aquatic Environments

Water affects oxygen levels, impacting respiration in aquatic species.

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Salinity

The concentration of salts in water, affecting ecosystems and species distributions.

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Osmoregulation

The process organisms use to maintain fluid and salt balance.

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Sunlight Limitation

Insufficient light can restrict photosynthetic species in various environments.

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Effects of Water Depth

Water depth affects light penetration and photosynthesis rates in aquatic ecosystems.

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Species distribution limits

Species distributions are limited by ecological and historical factors.

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Kangaroo isolation

Kangaroos only exist in Australia due to historical geographical isolation.

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Abiotic factors impact

Non-living factors like temperature and water limit species distribution.

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Biotic factors impact

Living factors, such as competition and predation, affect where species thrive.

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Saguaro cactus habitat

Saguaros primarily grow in the Sonoran Desert, needing specific conditions.

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Temperature limit for saguaros

Saguaros cannot survive below -4°C (25°F) for long periods.

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Water availability impact

Saguaro seedling survival depends on consistent moist conditions.

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Historical biogeography

Species distribution reflects their evolutionary past and geographic history.

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Geographical isolation

Isolation from other landmasses limits genetic exchange and species distribution.

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Dispersal Importance

Dispersal is vital for the global distribution of organisms and impacts species range.

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Natural Range Expansion

A natural range expansion occurs when a species moves to an area where it previously did not exist.

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Herbivory Impact

Herbivory, the eating of plants by animals, can limit the distribution of those plants.

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Pollinator Role

Pollinators help plants reproduce, influencing their distribution and abundance.

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Pathogen Effects

Pathogens can limit the distribution of species by causing disease.

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Temperature Impact

Temperature affects the survival and reproduction of organisms by influencing biological processes.

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Thermophilic Organisms

Organisms that can survive in extremely high temperatures outside typical ranges.

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Climate Change Effects

Climate change alters species' geographic ranges and relationships within ecosystems.

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Oxygen in Water

Oxygen availability in water affects aquatic respiration and metabolic processes.

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Salinity Influence

Salt concentration in water impacts water balance and habitat suitability for organisms.

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Photosynthesis Limitations

Insufficient sunlight limits the growth of photosynthetic organisms, particularly in dense environments.

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Adaptations to Water

Organisms in dry environments display various adaptations to acquire and conserve water.

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Geographic Range Expansion

When a species colonizes a new area, usually due to changes in environmental conditions.

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Study Notes

Species Distribution Limits

  • Species distributions result from a combination of ecological factors and evolutionary history.
  • Kangaroos, originating in Australia 5 million years ago, are geographically isolated.
  • Dispersal limitations also restrict species distribution.
  • Species inhabit specific habitats; the red kangaroo thrives in central Australia's arid grasslands but not tall eastern forests.
  • Ecologists investigate biotic and abiotic factors influencing species range.

Abiotic Factors

  • Abiotic factors, like temperature, greatly affect species distributions (e.g., saguaro cactus).
  • Saguaros' range is limited by a brief freezing tolerance (typically less than a day).
  • Saguaros seldom occur above 1,200 meters due to temperature limitations.
  • Water availability is crucial, particularly for seedling survival; consistent moisture often occurs only every few centuries in some environments.
  • Temperature, water, oxygen, salinity, sunlight, and soil are critical abiotic limiting factors in species distributions.
  • Most abiotic factors change spatially and temporally.
  • Organism behaviors like dormancy and hibernation help cope with challenging conditions temporarily.
  • Example: Saguaros are vulnerable to mice, goats, and a deadly bacterial disease.

Temperature

  • Temperature is a key abiotic factor influencing organism distributions.
  • Proteins denature at temperatures above 45°C; cells rupture below 0°C.
  • Organisms optimize function within a specific temperature range; regulating internal temperature outside that range expends energy.
  • Rising sea temperatures have caused species range shifts (e.g., Centrostephanus rodgersii).
  • Increased Tasmanian sea temperatures allowed C. rodgersii expansion southwards; this urchin has decimated kelp forests in established range.

Water and Oxygen

  • Water availability is crucial for species distribution, especially terrestrial and seashore/tidal organisms.
  • Water impacts oxygen availability in aquatic or flooded environments.
  • Slow diffusion of oxygen restricts cellular respiration.
  • Species have adaptations (e.g., mangrove specialized roots) for water acquisition and conservation.

Salinity

  • Salinity affects organism water balance via osmosis.
  • Most aquatic organisms inhabit freshwater or saltwater due to limited osmoregulation.
  • Terrestrial species have specialized salt excretion mechanisms (urine/feces).
  • High salinity environments, like salt flats, support limited species life.
  • Salmon adjust salt content using behavioral and physiological mechanisms (water intake, gill function).

Sunlight

  • Sunlight fuels ecosystems and is crucial for photosynthetic species.
  • Forest shading limits light availability on the forest floor.
  • Aquatic light availability declines with depth, limiting photosynthesis near water surfaces.

Biotic Factors

  • Biotic interactions frequently influence species distributions.
  • Predation, herbivory (e.g., sea urchins on seaweed), and competition for resources are examples.
  • Competition, parasites, pathogens, and pollinators affect distributions.
  • Sea urchin removal experiments highlight urchin’s role as a biotic factor restricting seaweed distribution.

Dispersal and Distribution

  • Dispersal (movement of individuals) significantly affects global distribution.
  • Kangaroos' limited dispersal restricts range.
  • Dispersal is vital to understanding distribution patterns and evolution.
  • Range expansions illustrate dispersal impacts (e.g., cattle egret dispersal across Americas).

Species Transplants

  • Intentional or accidental species transplants can reveal a species' potential range.
  • Successful transplants show a species could thrive in previously absent areas.
  • Invasive species can negatively impact native environments.

Natural Range Expansions and Adaptive Radiation

  • Range expansions occur when organisms inhabit new areas.
  • Dispersal leads to range expansions.
  • Adaptive radiation frequently follows range expansions (e.g., Hawaiian silverswords).
  • Examples of adaptive radiation and range expansion are visible in the Hawaiian silversword diversification.

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Species distributions are influenced by ecological factors and evolutionary history. Abiotic factors, such as temperature and water availability, greatly affect species distributions. Biotic factors like predators and pollinators also affect species range. Ecologists investigate factors influencing species distribution.

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