Exam 23: Ecological Communities

The figure below shows that the cohabitating ground finches on Pinta Island (topmost graph)experienced character displacement, with birds specializing in either smaller seeds or larger seeds. Predict the outcome of this cohabitation if large and small seeds had not been initially available.

A lichen is growing on a tree trunk. The lichen gains height and exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis. The tree is not harmed by the lichen but does not benefit either. The relationship between the lichen and the tree is

Once a climax community develops, is it likely to remain that way indefinitely?

Cowbirds lay their eggs in the nests of smaller birds. The fast-developing cowbird chicks hatch first, then push the other baby chicks out of the nest as they hatch. Which interaction best describes cowbird behavior?

Follicle mites live in the hair follicles of human skin. They feed on single cells but do little if any harm to the human; the mite has a stable place to live and reproduce. This is an example of ____________________.

Pollinators carry seeds in their digestive tracts and later deposit them far from the plant that they fed on.

A ____________________ species has, relative to its own abundance, a large impact on the type and abundance of other species in its community.

The relationship between humans and domesticated livestock is

If initially present, a climax community will reform immediately after a habitat disturbance.

Which of the following choices best explains, from an ecological perspective, why there are laws that require a wildlife survey before certain building or other land-use projects may proceed?

The relationship between house pets and people would be best described as

During the past 35 million years the climate of North America has experienced significant change.

All of the following except the _____ could be part of the same food chain.

Can a human being be considered an ecological community?

If the researchers are correct that a single source of pollen for honeybees does not provide sufficient quality protein for a hive, such as was found with bees used for pollinating crops and exposed only to almond orchards in California, then follow-up studies on Oregon's blueberry crop would be expected to show a

____________________ kill their prey directly and immediately, in contrast to parasites, which weaken their hosts or cause illness.

A farmer and his family raise 100 acres of corn, 12 chickens, and 2 cows. What is the keystone species?

Which of the following statements about communities is true?

Anthropogenic, or human-caused, changes to ecological communities typically

The process that establishes new communities and restores disturbed communities is termed