Microbial Ecology and Microbial Communities - MicroCore RC

Which of the following investigation/studies emphasize life history and behavior of individual populations as a means of adaptation to their environment?

• Allochthonous

• Synecological

• Autochthonous

• Autecological

Answer explanation

Autecology is the view of individual organisms and how they influence or are influenced by their environment, while synecology considers all interactions within an given ecosystem. Image from: https://williambiolabreports.wordpress.com/

Which of the following is defined as the populations within the community using the same resources?

• Guild

• Community

• Club

• Species

Answer explanation

Guilds often are composed of groups of closely related species that all arose from a common ancestor. They exploit resources in similar ways as a result of their shared ancestry. Hence, several species within a single genus may constitute a guild within a community. A less common but not unknown occurrence is for unrelated species to make up a guild.

What kind of organisms typically live in unstable, unpredictable environments, have short life spans, are generally small, quick to mature and waste a lot of energy? (Note: The ability to reproduce rapidly is important)

• a-strategists

• K-strategists

• r-strategists

• P-strategists

Answer explanation

Such organisms have high fecundity (glossary) and relatively little investment in any one progeny individual, they are typically weak and subject to predation and the vicissitudes of their environment. The “strategic intent” is to flood the habitat with progeny so that, regardless of predation or mortality, at least some of the progeny will survive to reproduce. Image from: Alfred B. Cunningham, John E. Lennox, and Rockford J. Ross, Eds. 2001-2010. (https://www.cs.montana.edu/webworks/projects/stevesbook

/contents/chapters/chapter002/section004/blue/page003.html) Permissions: Brian G. Murakami, Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman

What is the type of succession occurs when a habitat is altered by environmental factors, such as seasonal changes?

• Antigenic

• Autogenic

• Syncogenic

• Allogenic

Answer explanation

In ecology, allogenic succession is succession driven by the abiotic components of an ecosystem. Image from: https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-autogenic-and-allogenic-succession/

What type of succession happens when the energy flow through the system decreases with time and insufficient organic matter input and the community gradually dissipates its stored chemical energy?

• Heterotrophic

• Autotrophic

• Autogenic

• Allogenic

Answer explanation

Heterotrophic succession is usually temporary and culminates in the extinction of the community when the stored energy supply is exhausted. This takes place where organisms like bacteria and fungi are more in number than plants.