Environmental Science Fall Exam Review

Front

What happens to populations of the same species that are geographically isolated for many generations?

Back

Each population will evolve different traits influenced by their specific environments.

Front

What event leads to primary succession of a forest?

Back

A volcanic eruption.

Front

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle state about allele frequency in a species?

Back

When there is no change in the allele frequency, the population is in genetic equilibrium.

Front

What condition is necessary for maintaining genetic equilibrium according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

Back

There must be random mating within a population.

Front

What biotic limiting factor could decrease a rabbit population?

Back

An increase in the coyote population.

Front

What is a climax community in ecological succession?

Back

A stable community that undergoes little change in species composition.

Front

Define primary succession.

Back

The process of community development on a site that has never supported life before.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

The process of community change that occurs on a previously inhabited site that was disturbed.

Front

What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

Back

They have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity increases resilience and stability of ecosystems.