Biology 1442: Exam 3: Ecology!

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What is habitat destruction?

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Habitat destruction refers to the process in which natural habitats are rendered unable to support the species present, leading to a loss of biodiversity. It is a significant factor contributing to the Holocene Extinction.

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Why do tropical communities have greater species diversity than temperate or polar communities?

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Tropical communities have higher sunlight and precipitation, and are generally older than temperate or polar communities, which contributes to their greater species diversity.

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What is ecosystem ecology?

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Ecosystem ecology is the study of nutrient cycling through the environment, focusing on how energy and matter flow through ecosystems.

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What does dispersal mean in ecology?

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Dispersal refers to the movement of individuals away from their place of origin or from high population density areas, which can affect population dynamics.

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What is competitive interaction in ecology?

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Competitive interaction occurs when individuals of the same population compete for limited resources, such as nutrients, light, or space, often leading to uniform spacing patterns.

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Define biodiversity.

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species, genetic diversity, and the variety of ecosystems.

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What is the significance of nutrient cycling in ecosystems?

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Nutrient cycling is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health, as it ensures the availability of essential nutrients for organisms and supports ecosystem productivity.

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Explain the concept of species richness.

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Species richness is the number of different species represented in a given ecological community, which is a key component of biodiversity.

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What is the role of sunlight in ecosystems?

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Sunlight is the primary energy source for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, supporting food webs.

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What are invasive species?

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Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can outcompete native species for resources, leading to ecological imbalance.