Ecological Tolerance and Biodiversity Concepts

Mrs. Alcorn introduces ecological tolerance, explaining it as the range of conditions organisms can endure before injury or death. The video covers the concept's application to species, using salmon as a case study to illustrate variability in tolerance due to genetic diversity. It discusses the three zones of tolerance: optimal range, physiological stress, and intolerance. The video concludes with tips for writing FRQs, emphasizing the importance of connecting human impacts and climate change to shifts in ecological tolerance.

What is ecological tolerance?

• The ability of an organism to adapt to any environment.

• The tolerance of an organism to human activities.

• The capacity of an ecosystem to support diverse species.

• The range of conditions an organism can endure before injury or death.

Which of the following is an example of a range of tolerance?

• A plant growing in any soil type.

• A fish surviving in both fresh and saltwater.

• Salmon surviving in temperatures between 6°C and 22°C.

• A bird flying at any altitude.

How does genetic biodiversity affect ecological tolerance?

• It makes organisms more susceptible to diseases.

• It has no effect on tolerance.

• It reduces the range of tolerance.

• It increases the range of tolerance.

What happens in the optimal range of tolerance?

• Organisms experience thermal shock.

• Organisms thrive and reproduce.

• Organisms struggle to survive.

• Organisms face physiological stress.

What is the zone of physiological stress?

• A zone where organisms cannot survive.

• A zone where organisms thrive.

• A zone where organisms face challenges but survive.

• A zone where organisms are unaffected by environmental changes.

What is the zone of intolerance?

• A zone where organisms are unaffected by environmental changes.

• A zone where organisms face challenges but survive.

• A zone where organisms thrive.

• A zone where organisms cannot survive.

How does global warming affect the range of tolerance?

• It makes all species more adaptable.

• It shifts temperatures outside the range of tolerance for many species.

• It expands the range of tolerance for all species.

• It has no effect on the range of tolerance.

Which human activity is NOT mentioned as impacting ecological tolerance?

• Transportation

• Generating electricity

• Agriculture

• Fishing

What is a key point to remember about warm water and oxygen?

• Warm water holds more oxygen.

• Warm water increases oxygen production.

• Warm water holds less oxygen.

• Warm water has no effect on oxygen levels.

What should you connect your FRQ answers to when discussing environmental disturbances?

• The food chain

• The water cycle

• The range of tolerance

• The biodiversity index