ES Unit 4 Review

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What is secondary succession?

Back

Secondary succession is the process of ecological recovery that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact, allowing for the re-establishment of the ecosystem.

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What is a keystone species?

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A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

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How do invasive species affect native species?

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Invasive species often compete with native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat, which can lead to the decline or extinction of native species.

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What is genetic drift?

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Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population, which can lead to significant changes over time, especially in small populations.

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What is geographic or allopatric speciation?

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Geographic or allopatric speciation occurs when a population is divided by a physical barrier, leading to the evolution of distinct species due to isolation and different selective pressures.

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What is the climax community?

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A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a steady state, where species composition remains relatively unchanged until disrupted by an event.

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What role do disturbances play in ecosystems?

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Disturbances, such as fires or storms, can reset ecological succession, creating opportunities for new species to establish and promoting biodiversity.

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary changes in populations.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

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Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact.

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What is an example of a keystone species?

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An example of a keystone species is the sea otter, which helps maintain the balance of kelp forest ecosystems by preying on sea urchins.