E1: Geographic Distribution Flashcards
CH4
What are the three most common factors for geographic distrobution?
- Temerature
- moisture
- pH
Give an example of an organism that has spread their geographical range.
African Honey bees escaped from Brazil in 1956 that hybridized with the Italian honeybee (killer bees).
What limits Killer Bees from spreading further?
They cannot tolerate the winters.
Transplant successful outcome interpretation.
Distribution limited either because the area is inacessible, time has been too short to reach the area, or because the specieas fails to recognize the area as suitable living space
Transplant unsuccessful outcome interpretation.
Distribution limited either by other species or by physical and chemical factors.
Describe Leibig’s Law of the Minimum 1840
- limited by the factor in least amount relative to the requirements (single nutrient for crops)
- revolutionaized fertilizars, yet later criticized
- more complex as nutrients combine effects
- provides a useful starting point
- treat factors separate initially, then combine
Describe Shelford’s Law of Tolerance.
The distribution of a species will be controlled by that environemntal factor for which the organism has the narrowest range of tolerance.
Provide an example of Shelford’s Law of Tolerance.
-temperature with fish (critical thermal methodology)
- Sheepshead minnow has highest known maximum
What can cause variations to tolerance?
- life cycle - eggs, young, and adults
- setting - lab and natural habitat
- migration, hibernation, or dormancy
Provide an example of variation to tolerance.
Plants growing on serpentine soil struggle to grow in normal soil.
What are the three characteristics of serpentine soil?
- very high in magnesium, low in calcium
- lack of essential nutrients (niteogen, potassium, and phosphorus)
- high concentration of heavy metals
