All Flashcards
Define ecological tolerance.
The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce under a range of environmental conditions.
Define intolerance.
The inability of an organism to survive or reproduce under certain environmental conditions.
Define environmental factor.
Any condition in an environment that can affect the survival, growth, or reproduction of an organism.
Define stress (ecological context).
A condition where an environmental factor is outside an organism's optimal range, forcing it to expend energy on survival rather than reproduction.
Define abiotic factors.
Non-living components of an environment, such as sunlight, water, soil composition, temperature, and nutrients.
Define biotic factors.
Living components of an environment, such as predators, competitors, and the availability of food.
Define high ecological tolerance.
The ability of a species to survive a wide range of environmental conditions; often generalists.
Define low ecological tolerance.
The ability of a species to survive within a narrow range of environmental conditions; often specialists.
Why is ecological tolerance important?
It helps us understand species distribution and abundance, and predict how they might respond to environmental changes.
What is the 'Goldilocks Zone' in ecological tolerance?
The range of environmental conditions where an organism can thrive – not too much, not too little, but 'just right'.
How does stress affect reproduction?
Stress caused by environmental factors outside a species' tolerance range can reduce reproductive rates and decrease care for offspring.
How does climate change relate to ecological tolerance?
Changes in temperature and precipitation can push species outside their tolerance ranges, leading to decreased populations or extinction.
How does pollution relate to ecological tolerance?
Pollutants can create stressful conditions that reduce populations by exceeding their tolerance limits.
What happens when a species' tolerance is exceeded?
Can lead to reduced reproductive rates, decreased care for offspring, increased mortality, migration, or local extinction.
What is the difference between tolerance and preference?
Tolerance is the range of conditions an organism can survive in, while preference is the narrower range they thrive in.
How does ecological tolerance relate to biodiversity?
Species with narrow tolerance ranges are more vulnerable to extinction, impacting biodiversity.
What is the effect of increased air pollution on plant species?
Air pollution can alter soil pH and increase heavy metals, stressing plants and potentially reducing their growth, reproduction, and survival.
What is the effect of climate change on species distribution?
Climate change can alter temperature and precipitation patterns, shifting species' ranges as they try to stay within their tolerance limits.
What is the effect of habitat fragmentation on species with low ecological tolerance?
Habitat fragmentation can isolate populations, making it harder for species with low tolerance to find suitable conditions and increasing their risk of extinction.
What is the effect of invasive species on native species?
Invasive species can outcompete native species, especially those with narrow tolerance ranges, leading to declines in native populations.
What is the effect of increased water temperature on fish populations?
Increased water temperature can exceed the tolerance range of some fish species, leading to decreased population size due to stress and mortality.