All Flashcards
What is the importance of biotic and abiotic interactions?
These interactions drive ecosystem processes and determine the distribution and abundance of species.
Explain predator-prey relationships.
Predators control prey populations; prey develop defenses. It's an evolutionary arms race.
Describe mutualism.
A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit (+/+).
Describe commensalism.
A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits, and the other is unaffected (+/0).
Describe parasitism.
A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits, and the other is harmed (+/-).
What happens when niches overlap too much?
Competition intensifies for limited resources.
What is the consequence of keystone species removal?
The loss of a keystone species can cause a domino effect, dramatically changing the ecosystem.
How do ecosystem engineers modify habitats?
They create or modify habitats, helping other species.
Why are ecosystem dynamics important?
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting how ecosystems will respond to changes like climate change or human activities.
How does resource partitioning reduce competition?
It allows species to share limited resources by using different parts of the resource or accessing it at different times.
What is the effect of increased sea urchin populations on kelp forests?
Increased sea urchin populations lead to the destruction of kelp forests, impacting other species.
How can the removal of a keystone predator affect an ecosystem?
It can lead to a trophic cascade, causing significant changes in the populations of other species.
What is the effect of competition on species evolution?
Natural selection favors species that are better at accessing resources, leading to evolutionary changes.
How do elephants modify their environment?
Elephants create watering holes and clear vegetation, helping other species.
What are the consequences of climate change on ecosystems?
Climate change can alter ecosystem stability and resilience, leading to shifts in species distribution and abundance.
What is the effect of removing a keystone predator?
Can lead to a trophic cascade, altering the abundance and distribution of other species.
What is the effect of increased competition?
Can lead to resource partitioning, species extinction, or evolutionary adaptations.
What is the effect of sea otter removal on kelp forests?
Sea urchin populations increase, leading to overgrazing and destruction of kelp forests.
What is the effect of elephants creating watering holes?
Provides water sources for other species, increasing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
What is the effect of climate change on ecosystems?
Can alter species distributions, increase the frequency of disturbances, and disrupt ecosystem dynamics.
What is the effect of introducing an invasive species?
Can outcompete native species, alter food webs, and reduce biodiversity.
What is the effect of deforestation?
Habitat loss, soil erosion, decreased biodiversity, and altered climate patterns.
What is the effect of pollution on aquatic ecosystems?
Water contamination, harm to aquatic organisms, and disruption of food webs.
What is the effect of habitat fragmentation?
Reduced gene flow, increased edge effects, and decreased species diversity.
What is the effect of overfishing?
Depletion of fish stocks, disruption of marine food webs, and economic impacts on fishing communities.