Ecological Concepts and Impacts

The video explores the impact of light changes and land use on the environment, focusing on historical land use, meadow succession, and the role of exotic and invasive species. It highlights the adaptations of species like autumn olive and thistle, and discusses the environmental impact of deer and the emerald ash borer.

What is the main theme of the video discussed in the introduction?

• Biodiversity

• Water conservation

• Climate change

• Land use change

What do 'wolf trees' indicate about the past environment?

• They were planted by humans

• They are a new species

• They were once in an open area

• They grew in dense forests

What is the process called when a meadow turns into a forest over time?

• Succession

• Erosion

• Desertification

• Deforestation

Why do non-native species thrive in high light environments?

• They have no natural predators

• They are adapted to low light

• They are adapted to high light

• They require less water

What adaptation helps autumn olive thrive in abandoned fields?

• It can store water

• It fixes nitrogen

• It grows rapidly

• It repels insects

How do thistle plants disperse their seeds in open meadows?

• By water

• By wind

• By insects

• By animals

What is the impact of the emerald ash borer on ash trees?

• It makes them stronger

• It kills them

• It has no effect

• It helps them grow

What is a 'browse line' and what causes it?

• A line of trees planted by humans

• A line of vegetation eaten by deer

• A line of rocks formed by erosion

• A line of water bodies

How has the deer population changed over the past 100 years?

• It has remained the same

• It has decreased

• It has increased

• It has fluctuated

What ecological impact do deer have on forests?

• They cause soil erosion

• They help plant growth

• They increase biodiversity

• They damage the understory