Lecture 11 - Mammal Communities

Question 1

species dispersal

randomization of species ranges

Answer 1

• not random
• species occupy niches that they have adaptations for
• will adapt for niches as environment changes

Question 2

species dispersal

uniformity in species numbers

Answer 2

• not uniform
• ex: mammals more present around equator

Question 3

species dispersal

species energy hypothesis

Answer 3

more species live in tropical environments because there is more energy present to sustain species

Question 4

species dispersal

Net Primary Productivity

Answer 4

how much photosynthesis is occurring
varies with latitude
higher NPP supports more individuals, thus more species

Question 5

species dispersal

Habitat Hetergeneity Hypothesis

Answer 5

the more heterogeneous the habitat is, the more species can fit –> more niches in hetero habitats

Question 6

mammal characterization

can animals be characterized solely on where they live?

Answer 6

no
- live in different habitats/communities but they look similar, live in similar environments
- ecological similar btwn species of different communities, species fulfill the same role in the community
- sometimes more important to focus on ecological role of species to understand ecosystem

Question 7

mammal characterization

community structure - adaptations

Answer 7

• can tell apart different environments based on what adaptations (dietary, morphological species in the environment

ex: adaptations for frugivory, arboreal locomotion, fresh grass grazing, aquatic locomotion