Species Distribution

Question 1

List main factors that can influence species distribution

Answer 1

Dispersal -can’t get there
Behavior (doesn’t recognize it as a suitable habitat) - climate change may impact habitat choice.
Interactions with other organisms (predation, symbiosis)
Impacts physical & chemical factors (temp, moisture)

Question 2

Give an example of dispersal as a limiting factor

Answer 2

Salvinia molesta floating pond weed. Native to South America - spread by human activity to Africa, Australia etc.
Had no predators and optimum conditions in Australian northern Queensland lake and caused interference with water.
Physical and chemical control methods unsuccessful.
I’m Australia seasonal flooding weed survives weevil that controls weed doesn’t and weed regrows.