Introduction to Ecology quiz #14 Flashcards
Introduction to Ecology quiz #14
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What is the importance of studying ecological processes for ecosystem resilience?
It helps identify factors that enable ecosystems to recover from disturbances and maintain function. How do ecologists define the term 'primary producer'?
A primary producer is an organism, like a plant or algae, that produces organic matter from inorganic substances using energy from the sun. What is the relationship between energy flow and food chain length?
Energy loss at each trophic level limits the length of food chains in ecosystems. How do ecologists use the concept of the environment to study species range limits?
They analyze how environmental factors set the boundaries for where species can live. What is the significance of the term 'ecological balance'?
Ecological balance refers to the stable state of an ecosystem where species and processes are in equilibrium. How do ecologists study the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on ecosystem succession?
They observe changes in species composition and ecosystem processes over time following disturbances. What is the importance of studying ecological processes for habitat restoration?
It informs actions to restore natural functions and support native species in degraded habitats. How do ecologists define the term 'secondary consumer'?
A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers, typically occupying the third trophic level in a food web. What is the relationship between ecosystem health and human well-being?
Healthy ecosystems provide essential services that support human health, livelihoods, and quality of life. How do ecologists use the concept of the niche to study adaptation and evolution?
They examine how adaptations allow species to exploit specific niches and evolve over time. What is the significance of studying ecological interactions for managing invasive species?
It helps predict and control the impacts of invasive species on native communities and ecosystems. How do ecologists study the effects of abiotic factors on ecosystem boundaries?
They analyze how changes in abiotic conditions define the edges and transitions between ecosystems. What is the importance of studying ecological processes for climate adaptation strategies?
It helps design strategies that enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change. How do ecologists define the term 'decomposer'?
A decomposer is an organism, such as bacteria or fungi, that breaks down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients into the ecosystem. What is the relationship between ecosystem connectivity and species migration?
Connected ecosystems facilitate species migration, supporting population health and genetic diversity. How do ecologists use the concept of the environment to study ecosystem services?
They assess how environmental factors influence the capacity of ecosystems to provide services. What is the significance of the term 'ecological role' in ecosystem function?
An ecological role describes how a species contributes to ecosystem processes and stability. How do ecologists study the impact of environmental change on food webs?
They track changes in species interactions and energy flow in response to environmental shifts. What is the importance of studying ecological processes for pollution management?
It helps develop strategies to reduce pollution impacts and restore ecosystem health. How do ecologists define the term 'keystone species'?
A keystone species is one whose impact on its ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance. What is the relationship between ecosystem diversity and climate regulation?
Diverse ecosystems contribute to climate regulation by storing carbon and influencing weather patterns. How do ecologists use the concept of the niche to study ecological specialization?
They analyze how species adapt to specific roles and resources, leading to specialization. What is the significance of studying ecological interactions for ecosystem health?
Healthy interactions maintain ecosystem processes, resilience, and the provision of services. How do ecologists study the effects of abiotic factors on primary productivity?
They measure rates of photosynthesis and biomass production under different abiotic conditions. What is the importance of studying ecological processes for water resource management?
It ensures sustainable use and protection of water resources by understanding ecosystem needs. How do ecologists define the term 'food web'?
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains showing how energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem. What is the relationship between ecosystem services and human societies?
Ecosystem services support human societies by providing resources, regulating climate, and maintaining health. How do ecologists use the concept of the environment to study disease dynamics?
They analyze how environmental factors influence the spread and impact of diseases in populations. What is the significance of the term 'ecological succession'?
Ecological succession is the process of change in species composition and ecosystem structure over time. How do ecologists study the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on ecosystem recovery?
They monitor changes in species and processes following disturbances to assess recovery. What is the importance of studying ecological processes for land use planning?
It helps design land use that maintains ecosystem functions and biodiversity. How do ecologists define the term 'mutualism'?
Mutualism is a type of biotic interaction where both species benefit from the relationship. What is the relationship between ecosystem health and resilience?
Healthy ecosystems are more resilient, able to recover from disturbances and maintain functions. How do ecologists use the concept of the niche to study competition?
They examine how overlapping niches lead to competition and how species partition resources to reduce it. What is the significance of studying ecological interactions for ecosystem monitoring?
Monitoring interactions helps detect changes in ecosystem health and guide management actions. How do ecologists study the effects of abiotic factors on species interactions?
They observe how changes in abiotic conditions alter the nature and strength of species interactions. What is the importance of studying ecological processes for fisheries management?
It ensures sustainable harvests by understanding population dynamics and ecosystem impacts. How do ecologists define the term 'predation'?
Predation is a biotic interaction where one organism (the predator) kills and eats another (the prey). What is the relationship between ecosystem structure and biodiversity?
Ecosystem structure, including habitat diversity, supports higher biodiversity. How do ecologists use the concept of the environment to study adaptation to climate change?
They investigate how species adjust their behaviors, ranges, or physiology in response to changing climates.
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