environmental synergies

Question 1

why do small populations go extinct easily?

Answer 1

because of demographic instability and inbreeding

Question 2

what is the additive model?

Answer 2

the combined effect of stressors is equals the sum of their parts

Question 3

what is an antagonistic non-additive model?

Answer 3

the combined effect is less than the expected additive effect

Question 4

what is a synergistic non-additive model?

Answer 4

effect is greater than the expected additive effect

Question 5

example of an additive model?

Answer 5

nutrient pollution + pesicides on human health

Question 6

example of antagonistic interaction?

Answer 6

climate change increases invasive species and detritus processing but invasive species decreases detritus processing

Question 7

what are the characteristics of synergies?

Answer 7

• occur when stresses overlap
• often unpredictable
• sudden disrupions or abrupt shifts
• nonlinear behavior (feedback loops)