Ecological Tolerance and the Limits of Survival in Organisms

The video discusses ecological tolerance, which refers to the range of abiotic factors within which organisms can survive. It explains how different species have varying tolerance levels for factors like temperature and salinity. Examples include polar bears and sun bears, as well as fish that adapt to changing salinity. The concept of optimal range, zones of physiological stress, and intolerance are illustrated using bell curves. The video also contrasts generalist species, which have broad tolerance ranges, with specialist species, which have narrow ranges.

What is the term used to describe the range of abiotic factors within which an organism can survive?

• Ecological footprint

• Ecological balance

• Ecological tolerance

• Ecological niche

Which of the following is an example of a species that changes its ecological tolerance over its lifetime?

• Salmon

• Polar bear

• Butterfly

• Sun bear

What shape does the curve representing ecological tolerance typically take?

• Exponential

• Bell-shaped

• Linear

• Flat

In the context of ecological tolerance, what is the 'optimal range'?

• The range where a species thrives

• The range where a species cannot survive

• The range where a species is extinct

• The range where a species experiences stress

Why do estuarine fish need a broad salinity tolerance?

• Because the oxygen levels are stable

• Because the salinity changes frequently

• Because the water is always fresh

• Because the temperature changes frequently

What is a challenge of maintaining a saltwater aquarium?

• The water is too fresh

• The water temperature is too high

• The fish have narrow tolerance ranges

• The fish have broad tolerance ranges

What is the main difference between generalist and specialist species?

• Generalists can adapt to a wide range of conditions

• Specialists have broad tolerance ranges

• Specialists can adapt to a wide range of conditions

• Generalists have narrow tolerance ranges

Which species is more likely to survive environmental changes?

• Extinct species

• Endangered species

• Generalist species

• Specialist species

What is an example of a specialist species mentioned in the video?

• Black striped top minnow

• Eel

• Black tailed shiner

• Salmon

Which species can live in both high and low oxygen environments?

• Black tailed shiner

• Polar bear

• Black striped top minnow

• Sun bear