Introduction to Ecology

Question 1

What is global change?

Answer 1

Changes in the global environment (including
alterations in climate, land productivity,
oceans or water resources, atmospheric chemistry
and ecological systems) that may alter the capacity of
the Earth to sustain life

Question 2

What is the three subdisciplines of organismal ecology?

Answer 2

Behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, Evolutionary ecology

Question 3

What is the five human induced threats, named HIPPO?

Answer 3

Habitat destruction,
Introduced species,
Pollution,
Population (human)
Overharvesting

Question 4

What are the examples of invasive species?

Answer 4

Diffuse knapweed - secretion of allelochemicals; Hawaiian honeycreepers extinct by Avian malaria by introduced mosquitoes

Question 5

What are the examples of direct exploitation?

Answer 5

Sea cow/ dugong extinct by over-hunting

Question 6

What are the examples of pollution

Answer 6

Use of DDT → thinning of shells and increased mortality in peregrine falcon

Question 7

What is the biggest type of organisms threatened with extinction?

Answer 7

Amphibians

Question 8

What is the four broad areas of ecology?

Answer 8

Organismal ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, population ecology