Exam 12: Ecology

Which growth model would you expect to see in a stable population?

Of the biomes listed, which is best adapted to seasonal fires?

Some species require a large and diverse range.Although it may not significantly decrease the overall size of the range, how might fragmenting the range with a freeway or neighborhood lead to the extinction of the entire population, even if sufficient food is available in either region to sustain two smaller populations? Suggest a compromise that would allow the population to survive and allow for the road project or neighborhood.

Disturbances to an ecosystem, such as fires and floods, are often seen as negative.Describe a situation where regular disturbances are not only beneficial but are also required to sustain the ecosystem.

Aquatic biomes cover most of the Earth's surface.

Imagine a hypothetical population of elephants and rabbits in which both species remain at carrying capacity over many generations.Who would have more offspring that survive to be adults and reproduce during their lifetime, a mating pair of elephants or a mating pair of rabbits? Explain your answer.

What is the difference between a community and an ecosystem?

Human birth rate peaked in the 1980s and has been slowly declining ever since.How is this expected to affect our population size over the next several decades?

What are the main causes of biodiversity loss?

All living things need carbon.How does most carbon enter the living portion of an ecosystem?

Primary consumers eat ________.

Bacteria populations grow at a really rapid pace, with their whole populations doubling within hours.What type of growth models do bacteria follow?

A dispersion pattern refers to ________.

The tendency of toxins to accumulate in top predators is called biological ________.

Cheetahs are specialized hunters that stalk Thompson gazelles.This is an example of a ________ relationship.

-Which statement most likely explains the general upward trend of the data over the 2-year time period?

What type of survivorship curves do humans typically display?

Abiotic factors are ________.

The practice of "eating down the food chain" refers to eating more plant material and less herbivores.Explain how this is a more efficient use of energy.

Environmentalism is ________.