Lecture #2: Habitat Biodiversity

Question 1

why does topographic variation increase diversity

Answer 1

if there are more types of land present more species adapted to each type will be able to live in that community

Question 2

niche

Answer 2

set of abiotic and biotic conditions determining a species distribution

Question 3

fundamental niche

Answer 3

determined by environmental conditions (can survive and reproduce)

Question 4

realized niche

Answer 4

conditions created by biotic interactions with other animals

Question 5

species turnover

Answer 5

spatial (ex: elevation) differences in species composition due to diversity of niche

Question 5

why do smaller population have a higher likelihood of extinction

Answer 5

1) harder to find mates
2) population fluctuation
3) lower genetic diversity leads to lower potential to adapt

Question 6

What types of animals do corridors benefit

Answer 6

large mammals

Question 7

what are some characteristics of edge

Answer 7

smaller fragment leads to larger edge
diff from interior of habitat
more disturbance
easier to prey

Question 8

why don’t smaller fragments have top predators

Answer 8

they need more space to hunt, more edge