Ecology and Environment Review

Front

What happens when a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

Back

Major changes occur in species populations

Front

What is a trophic cascade?

Back

A chain reaction of effects caused by changes in the food web

Front

What is an example of natural selection?

Back

Mice changing fur color over generations to blend with lava rock

Front

A mutation is:

Back

A random change in DNA

Front

Carrying capacity

Back

The maximum number of individuals an environment can support over time

Front

What happens when a population exceeds its environment’s carrying capacity?

Back

Some organisms may starve, compete for resources, or die off

Front

What caused the change in fur color of Rock Pocket Mice over time?

Back

Volcanic rock changed the color of the ground, and dark-colored mice survived better

Front

Why do adaptations help species survive?

Back

They help an organism reproduce and survive better in its environment

Front

What is likely to cause the biggest change to an ecosystem? Options: One tree falling, A few squirrels moving, Removing a keystone predator like a wolf, Fewer plants growing one year.

Back

Removing a keystone predator like a wolf

Front

What is the difference between logistic and exponential growth in populations?

Back

Logistic growth slows down as resources run out; exponential growth continues as if resources are unlimited