Ch 1 Flashcards
Which of the following contributes to density dependent regulation of population
Intraspecific competition for nutrients
A cow’s herbivorous diet indicates that it is a
Primary consumer
Which organism is most likely not functioning as a keystone species in its ecosystem?
A population of zebra mussels that compete with native species, reducing the biodiversity of the Great Lakes ecosystem
Which of the following statements is correct about biogeochemical cycling?
The phosphorus cycle is a cycle that involves the weathering of rocks
In an ecosystem where the plants comprise 25,000 kg of biomass, about how many kilograms of carnivore biomass can be supported by these producers?
250 kg
Which activity would reduce biodiversity in a forest ecosystem?
clearing a large area and planting one species of hardwood tree that can be used for lumber
Pheasants do not feed their chicks. Immediately after hatching, a pheasant chick starts pecking at seeds and insects on the ground. How might a behavioral ecologist explain the ultimate cause of this behavior?
Pheasants that pecked survived and reproduced fast
One morning, a woman who usually feeds her two cats in the morning passes by the food bowl without putting food in it. The cats usually run over to the bowl as she approaches it, but after four mornings of her passing the bowl without putting food in it, the cats no longer run over to the bowl. This is an example of
habituation
Sow bugs become more active in dry areas and less active in humid areas. This is an example of
Kinesis
How does natural selection influence the development of altruistic behaviors?
By his/her actions, the altruist increases the likelihood that some of its genes will be passed on to the next generation
Innate behaviors
Fixed action patterns (seeing red)
Learned behaviors
Behaviors that are modified based on experiences
Type I
High death rate in post reproduction years (human)
Type II
constant mortality rate through lifespan (squid)
Type III
Very high early death rate, few survivors, live long (stay reproductive) (oyster)
K selective
Late production, few offsprings, invest in easing offspring (primates and coconuts)
R selected
Early reproduction, many offsprings, little parental control (insects, plants)
Carrying capacity
The growth of a population decreases as the population approaches the carrying capacity
Density dependent
Competition in ecosystem, food, mating, nesting
Density independent
Abiotic factors, sunlight, temperature, rain
