Ecosystem Changes and Effects on Biodiversity

Ecosystem Changes and Effects on Biodiversity

Open Ended

Where would you expect more biodiversity, in the desert or in the rainforest? Why?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following shows a population change due to seasonal variation?

• A population of crows was decreased due to a bird disease

• Pesticides were sprayed to eliminate the growth of a fungus on trees

• The population of polar bears has decreased in the arctic due to increased temperatures and less ice to stand on

• Geese migrate to the southern hemisphere during the winter months and return to the northern hemisphere in the spring

Multiple Choice

Over many years, the average temperature of the Earth has risen, causing polar ice to melt. This has caused the ocean water levels to rise here in Florida. If the ocean rises enough, marine salt water could infiltrate into freshwater swamps. How could this change in climate affect the ecosystem?

• The ecosystem will have less limiting factors and therefore become more robust

• The biodiversity in the ecosystem may decrease due to a change in the salinity of the water

• The ecosystem will be unaffected

Multiple Choice

The number of pythons found throughout Everglades National Park has increased in recent years. These huge snakes are not native to Florida and are believed to have been released into the wild by pet owners. Wildlife biologists have initiated attempts to capture and remove these pythons. Which statement best explains the biologists' reasons for removing these pythons from the Everglades?

• The pythons could upset the territorial boundaries of native organisms.

• The pythons could adapt to overcome diseases common to native snakes.

• The pythons could prey on native organisms and cause native population to decline.

• The pythons could begin to interbreed with native snakes and produce a more successful species.

Multiple Choice

There is a presence of wastes, such as plastic bags and motor oil, in lakes and streams miles away from developed areas. This has caused a loss of certain species of fish that were native to the lakes and streams. This suggests that

• ecosystems are interconnected and human action can alter ecosystem equilibrium and cause loss of biodiversity.

• recycling programs have failed to conserve abiotic resources.

• natural processes can alter ecosystem stability.

• direct harvesting practices have led to irreversible destruction of ecosystems.

Multiple Choice

A forest fire occurs and the ecosystem is temporarily destroyed. For a new ecosystem to form, which type of succession would need to happen?

• Primary succession would happen because the new ecosystem would start on bare soil

• Secondary succession would happen because the new ecosystem would start on soil

• Primary succession would happen because the new ecosystem would start on bare rock