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ecol 111 final exam Questions with Answers (100%
Correct Answers)
what are gradients other than temp that might be important in
influencing the response functions and distribution of organisms
Answer: moisture, light, nutrient, pH
fundamental niche Answer: a larger area or range indicating the
potential conditions and resources a species can use if there are no
limiting biotic factors
realized niche Answer: smaller subset within the fundamental niche,
indicating the real world conditions and resources the species uses in
the presence of biotic constraints
how can species coexist in multiple niche dimensions Answer: by
occupying different parts of niche dimensions, thus reducing direct
competition. ex resource partitioning: different species might utilize
different food sources or forage at different heights in a forest
what is traditional ecological knowledge Answer: knowledge of the
natural environment that has developed in the course of a
community's long term residence in a specific ecosystem
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2
how can plant species coexist through facilitation Answer: this
interaction can help plants coexist by mitigating harsh environmental
conditions, improving resource availability, or providing protection
from herbivores or pathogens. ex nurse plants that offer shade for
other plants or mycorrhizal fungi which extends the root system of
other plants
3 key drivers of biodiversity loss in grasslands Answer: agricultural
expansion (crop production/grazing), urbanization and infrastructure
development, invasive species, climate change
3 biotic edge-effect phenomena associate with fragmentation in
tropical rainforests Answer: altered species composition (invasive
species, floral changes), increased predation and herbivory (easier
access to prey, more light), changes in pollination and seed dispersal
3 abiotic edge-effect phenomena associate with fragmentation in
tropical rainforests Answer: microclimatic changes (higher temp and
lower humidity), wind exposure (increased, less moisture), light
penetration (more light, higher uv)
describe 3 main selection pressures that occur in alpine environments
Answer: low temp, low oxygen, intense uv (can damage dna & others)
© 2025 All rights reserved
ecol 111 final exam Questions with Answers (100%
Correct Answers)
what are gradients other than temp that might be important in
influencing the response functions and distribution of organisms
Answer: moisture, light, nutrient, pH
fundamental niche Answer: a larger area or range indicating the
potential conditions and resources a species can use if there are no
limiting biotic factors
realized niche Answer: smaller subset within the fundamental niche,
indicating the real world conditions and resources the species uses in
the presence of biotic constraints
how can species coexist in multiple niche dimensions Answer: by
occupying different parts of niche dimensions, thus reducing direct
competition. ex resource partitioning: different species might utilize
different food sources or forage at different heights in a forest
what is traditional ecological knowledge Answer: knowledge of the
natural environment that has developed in the course of a
community's long term residence in a specific ecosystem
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2
how can plant species coexist through facilitation Answer: this
interaction can help plants coexist by mitigating harsh environmental
conditions, improving resource availability, or providing protection
from herbivores or pathogens. ex nurse plants that offer shade for
other plants or mycorrhizal fungi which extends the root system of
other plants
3 key drivers of biodiversity loss in grasslands Answer: agricultural
expansion (crop production/grazing), urbanization and infrastructure
development, invasive species, climate change
3 biotic edge-effect phenomena associate with fragmentation in
tropical rainforests Answer: altered species composition (invasive
species, floral changes), increased predation and herbivory (easier
access to prey, more light), changes in pollination and seed dispersal
3 abiotic edge-effect phenomena associate with fragmentation in
tropical rainforests Answer: microclimatic changes (higher temp and
lower humidity), wind exposure (increased, less moisture), light
penetration (more light, higher uv)
describe 3 main selection pressures that occur in alpine environments
Answer: low temp, low oxygen, intense uv (can damage dna & others)
© 2025 All rights reserved
