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 in a forest?
Changes in soil pH and increased heavy metals can affect plant physiology, leading to reduced growth, reproduction, and survival, especially for species with low ecological tolerance.
What is the effect of a sudden temperature increase on a fish species with a narrow temperature tolerance?
The fish population will likely experience stress, leading to decreased reproduction, increased mortality, and potentially local extinction if the temperature exceeds their tolerance range.
How can the introduction of an invasive species affect the ecological tolerance of native species?
Invasive species can alter environmental factors, such as food availability or habitat structure, potentially pushing native species outside their tolerance ranges and leading to population declines.
What is the effect of deforestation on the ecological tolerance of aquatic species in nearby streams?
Deforestation can lead to increased sediment runoff, higher water temperatures, and altered nutrient levels, which can stress aquatic species and reduce their ability to survive and reproduce.
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.