Key Takeaways

Question 1

Carrying Capacity and Resource Availability:

Answer 1

We modeled how resource limitations, such as grass in the Serengeti, regulate wildebeest populations.

Question 2

Predation and Population Dynamics:

Answer 2

The Serengeti’s predator-prey relationships, such as lions hunting wildebeest, were analyzed to understand how predation balances population sizes.

Question 3

Ecosystem Stability and Disturbances:

Answer 3

Discussions included how the Serengeti ecosystem recovers from seasonal droughts and how resilience allows it to sustain migrations.

Question 4

Human Impacts:

Answer 4

Conservation in the Serengeti was explored, highlighting how protecting biodiversity preserves the ecosystem services crucial for wildebeest and other species.

Question 5

Group Behavior:

Answer 5

The phenomenon of wildebeest migrations was used to show how group behavior enhances survival and supports ecosystem functioning.

Question 6

Role of Peat:

Answer 6

Peatlands as carbon reservoirs and their vulnerability to burning during zombie fires.

Question 7

Energy Flow:

Answer 7

Impact of fires on primary producers and the disruption of Arctic food webs.

Question 8

Climate Change and Feedback Loops:

Answer 8

How zombie fires accelerate warming through greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 9

Human Impact:

Answer 9

Activities contributing to warming and strategies for mitigating fire risks.