All Flashcards
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 ecological tolerance affect species distribution?
Species are found in areas where environmental conditions fall within their tolerance range.
Why are species with low ecological tolerance more vulnerable?
They are more susceptible to extinction due to environmental changes because they can only survive within a narrow range of conditions.
How does stress impact reproduction?
Stress caused by environmental factors outside a species' tolerance range can lead to reduced reproductive rates and decreased care for offspring.
How does pollution relate to ecological tolerance?
Pollutants can create stressful conditions that reduce populations by pushing environmental factors outside of a species' tolerance range.
How is climate change related to ecological tolerance?
Changes in temperature and precipitation can push species outside their tolerance ranges, leading to decreased populations or migration.
What are the potential outcomes when a species experiences stress due to environmental factors?
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 a species can survive in, while preference is the narrower range it thrives in.
How does ecological tolerance relate to biodiversity?
Species with narrow tolerance ranges are more vulnerable to extinction, which can decrease 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.
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.