Ecology Final Exam

Front

What are extinction rates in the 20th century compared to background rates?

Back

Extinction rates in the 20th century are above background rates.

Front

What is true about the elemental composition of organisms?

Back

Animals, plants, and bacteria all contain iron.

Front

What is included in the definition of biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity includes communities, species, and genes.

Front

According to the equilibrium theory of island biogeography, which type of island has the smallest number of species?

Back

Small islands far from the mainland have the smallest number of species.

Front

What is net primary production?

Back

Net primary production is gross primary production minus autotroph respiration.

Front

Define biodiversity.

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Front

What factors influence extinction rates?

Back

Factors influencing extinction rates include habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation.

Front

Explain the concept of primary production in ecosystems.

Back

Primary production is the process by which autotrophs (like plants) convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the difference between gross primary production and net primary production?

Back

Gross primary production is the total amount of organic matter produced, while net primary production is the amount remaining after autotroph respiration.

Front

What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

Back

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance, helping to maintain the structure of the ecosystem.