Ecology

Question 1

What is adaptation?

Answer 1

A trait that enhances an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Question 2

What are the three types of adaptations?

Answer 2

• Structural Adaptation
• Behavioral Adaptation
• Physiological Adaptation

Question 3

What is a structural adaptation?

Answer 3

Physical features like coloration, talons, and scales that aid survival.

Question 4

What is a behavioral adaptation?

Answer 4

Actions such as migration and hibernation that improve survival chances.

Question 5

What is a physiological adaptation?

Answer 5

Internal processes like chemical defenses and poison production that enhance survival.

Question 6

Why are adaptations important?

Answer 6

They are crucial for the survival of species in changing environments.

Question 7

What is variation?

Answer 7

Differences among individuals in a population that can affect survival and reproduction.

Question 8

What are two sources of genetic variation?

Answer 8

• Sexual Reproduction
• Mutations

Question 9

What is natural selection?

Answer 9

The process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Question 10

What is selective advantage?

Answer 10

Traits that confer a survival benefit under specific environmental conditions.

Question 11

True or False: Peppered moths demonstrate natural selection.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What did Georges-Louis Leclerc propose?

Answer 12

That humans and apes share similarities and that Earth is older than 6000 years.

Question 13

What significant idea did Charles Darwin propose?

Answer 13

Species evolve from common ancestors through natural selection, leading to descent with modification.

Question 14

What does artificial selection refer to?

Answer 14

Human-directed breeding for desired traits.

Question 15

What does the fossil record provide evidence for?

Answer 15

Chronological evidence of evolution, showing transitional fossils.

Question 16

What do homologous structures indicate?

Answer 16

Common origin despite differing functions.

Question 17

What is the definition of a species?

Answer 17

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable offspring, isolated from other groups.

Question 18

What are reproductive isolation mechanisms?

Answer 18

• Geographical barriers
• Biological barriers

Question 19

What is adaptive radiation?

Answer 19

Rapid evolution of many species from a common ancestor, often in response to environmental changes.

Question 20

What is gradualism in evolution?

Answer 20

Slow, incremental changes over time.

Question 21

What is the Gaia Hypothesis?

Answer 21

The biosphere functions as a self-regulating organism, maintaining conditions for life.

Question 22

What is the primary energy source for life on Earth?

Answer 22

The sun

Question 23

What is photosynthesis?

Answer 23

The process that converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Question 24

What is the 10% Rule in energy transfer?

Answer 24

Only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is available to the next.

Question 25

What is a dichotomous key?

Answer 25

A tool used to identify organisms through a series of yes/no questions based on observable characteristics.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Water covers approximately ______ of the Earth's surface.

Answer 26

2/3

Question 27

What is nitrogen fixation?

Answer 27

The conversion of N2 into usable forms (NH4) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Question 28

What role do decomposers play in ecosystems?

Answer 28

They recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Question 29

What is the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 29

The process involving precipitation and evaporation that determines water circulation in the biosphere.

Question 30

What is the significance of the maximum density of water at 4°C?

Answer 30

It is significant for seasonal turnover in lakes, cycling oxygen and nutrients.

Question 31

What encapsulates the dynamic nature of ecosystems?

Answer 31

Cycles, energy flows ## Footnote This refers to the continuous movement of energy and matter within ecosystems.

Question 32

How do food chains and food webs differ?

Answer 32

Food chains illustrate linear flow; food webs depict complex interconnections ## Footnote Food webs provide a more comprehensive view of ecosystem interactions.

Question 33

What are the trophic levels in ecosystems?

Answer 33

Producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, etc. ## Footnote Trophic levels categorize organisms based on their feeding relationships.

Question 34

Why do most ecosystems have 3-6 trophic levels?

Answer 34

Due to energy loss at each level ## Footnote Energy loss limits the number of organisms that can be supported.

Question 35

What is essential for understanding ecological interactions and energy dynamics?

Answer 35

The concept of trophic levels ## Footnote Trophic levels help explain how energy is transferred through ecosystems.

Question 36

What does the stability of an ecosystem depend on?

Answer 36

The complexity of its food web ## Footnote More complex food webs indicate greater stability.

Question 37

What do ecological pyramids represent?

Answer 37

Distribution of energy, biomass, and number of organisms at each trophic level ## Footnote They visually depict ecological relationships.

Question 38

What does the Pyramid of Numbers show?

Answer 38

The number of organisms at each trophic level ## Footnote It can be inverted due to size differences.

Question 39

What does the Pyramid of Biomass represent?

Answer 39

Total dry mass of organisms at each trophic level ## Footnote It addresses limitations of the pyramid of numbers.

Question 40

What does the Pyramid of Energy illustrate?

Answer 40

Energy available at each trophic level ## Footnote Typically shows a decrease of about 90% at each successive level.

Question 41

In what ecosystems can inverted pyramids of biomass occur?

Answer 41

Ecosystems dominated by rapidly reproducing phytoplankton ## Footnote This phenomenon challenges traditional pyramid structures.

Question 42

What is biomagnification?

Answer 42

Increasing concentration of toxic substances at higher trophic levels ## Footnote It occurs as predators consume prey with accumulated toxins.

Question 43

What risks does biomagnification pose?

Answer 43

Risks to top predators, including humans ## Footnote Accumulated toxins can have serious health implications.

Question 44

What is highlighted by the biomagnification process?

Answer 44

Importance of monitoring environmental pollutants ## Footnote Understanding biomagnification is crucial for ecosystem health.

Question 45

What case studies illustrate the consequences of biomagnification?

Answer 45

Effects of DDT on bird populations ## Footnote Such studies reveal the impact of pollutants on wildlife.

Question 46

Why is understanding biomagnification important?

Answer 46

For wildlife conservation and public health initiatives ## Footnote It guides policies aimed at reducing pollution.

Question 47

What can efforts to reduce pollution achieve?

Answer 47

Mitigate the effects of biomagnification in ecosystems ## Footnote Pollution control is essential for ecosystem sustainability.