Exam 6 study questions 2 Flashcards
The 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth causes what
seasons
biome
major groupings of plant and animal communities defined by a dominant vegetation type.
Four tools biologists use to predict how global warming will affect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
simulation, observational, historic studies and experiements
Simulation studies
based on computer models of weather patterns and local regions
Observational studies
based on long-term monitoring at fixed sites around the globe
Historical studies
examine this relationship based on events that occurred millions of years ago
Experiments
designed to simulate changed climate conditions and to record responses by the organisms present
Wallace line
To the west of the line, all of the species are similar or derived from species that are found on the Asian mainland. To the east of the line, there are many species that of Australian descent. Along the line is a mix of the two and many species are hybrids of the typical Asian species and the more isolated Australian species.
Behavioral ecology
Study of how organisms actively respond to particular stimuli from those environments
Innate behavior
Behavior that is inherited and shows little variation based on learning or the individual’s condition
What is the cost-benefit analysis
Animals appear to weigh the costs and benefits of responding to a particular situation in various ways. The decisions made by nonhuman organisms are not – as far as is known – conscious.
Scientists measure costs and benefits in terms of their impact on fitness (their ability to produce offspring
What factors limit species distribution
Abiotic factors, biotic factors, dispersal limitation (can it even get there?), and behavior
What can we learn about populations from studying invasive species
We can learn whether or not those populations are able to live with those invasive species, if it will change the way it lives, etc. Dispersal limitations
How would you test whether a biotic interaction affects the distribution or abundance of an organism
Manipulate the organisms you want to test but you need a control so you can find out what happens to the ones that aren’t manipulated as well and compare the two
What are fixed action patterns? What is the alternative
Innate behavior – coocoo killing his siblings, sneezing, etc.
The opposite of this is a learned behavior. Speech is learned behavior in humans.
What factors do scientists measure when doing a behavioral cost-benefit analysis
Is it worth the energy expense? Ex: cheetah giving up hunt because it’s no longer worth the cost. Cost + benefit should always be net positive; AKA overall benefit.
While observing this you’re looking at Ultimate causes
Altruism
Behavior that appears to benefit others at a cost to oneself
Self-sacrificing behavior
Describe the optimal foraging theory
When biologists study why animals forage, they usually start by assuming that individuals make decisions using cost-benefit approach (maximize benefits minimize costs).
What are the three categories of navigation
piloting, compass orientation and true navigation
piloting
the use of familiar landmarks
compass orientation
movement oriented in a specific direction
True navigation
ability to locate a specific place on Earth’s surface
Circadian clock
Internal clock set by light-dark transitions; 24 hour rhythm is activity
Circannual
The same as circadian but 1 year
Honest comminication
telling the truth AKA normal organisms Sometimes either being honest or lying can increase an individual’s fitness
Deceitful communication
Lying. only works when its rare
