Lecture #6

Question 1

In low stress environments…

Answer 1

competition is more important

Question 2

In high stress environments…

Answer 2

facilitation is more important BECAUSE N2 will not reach a level such that it can negatively affect N1

Question 3

Estuary

Answer 3

an inlet of of the ocean that extends into a river valley as far as the upper limit of the tide

Question 4

Traits of low marsh

Answer 4

high salinity, floods twice daily, stressful environment

Question 5

Traits of high marsh

Answer 5

low salinity, infrequent flooding

Question 6

Traits of mid-marsh

Answer 6

variable tidal inundation (varying flood levels)

Question 7

Why do salt marsh plants grow better in non-native areas?

Answer 7

because there is less competition, which typically serves as a limiting factor for plant distribution

Question 8

Generally, what sets lower and upper limits for where plants can live?

Answer 8

lower limits set by physical stress, upper limits set by competition

Question 9

Natural distribution

Answer 9

field abundance = protected abundance

Question 10

Mesograzers

Answer 10

small invertebrate herbivores that consume microalgal epiphytes and thus enhance growth of seagrass

Question 11

What important services do seagrasses provide?

Answer 11

carbon sequestration; network of rhizomes and roots anchors them in the sediment and directly contributed to buried organic carbon

reduce current speeds to protect other organisms