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Multiple Choice
Which ecological concept is best illustrated by the observation that climate warming trends allow plant and insect species to inhabit larger ranges?
A
Range expansion
B
Resource partitioning
C
Competitive exclusion
D
Ecological succession
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the ecological concept of 'range expansion': Range expansion refers to the process by which species extend their geographic distribution, often due to changes in environmental conditions such as climate warming.
Analyze the impact of climate warming trends: Climate warming can alter temperature and habitat conditions, making previously unsuitable areas habitable for certain plant and insect species.
Relate the observation to range expansion: The observation that plant and insect species are able to inhabit larger ranges due to climate warming directly aligns with the concept of range expansion, as it describes the extension of their geographic distribution.
Compare range expansion with other ecological concepts: Resource partitioning involves species sharing resources to reduce competition, competitive exclusion refers to one species outcompeting another, and ecological succession describes changes in community structure over time. None of these concepts directly explain the observed phenomenon of species inhabiting larger ranges due to climate warming.
Conclude that the best ecological concept illustrated by the observation is 'range expansion,' as it directly describes the process of species extending their geographic distribution in response to environmental changes.