Adapted from Floder and Sommer (1999) In an experiment commu…
Adapted from Floder and Sommer (1999) In an experiment communities of plankton in a lake were isolated in long cylinders submerged in a lake. These cylinders were subjected to mixing (by bubbling air up through them) at various frequencies (ranging from every 2 days to never disturbed). Diversity and species richness were measured after 36 days and the following data were obtained. What relationship between diversity/richness and disturbance do these data support?
Read DetailsImagine a team in the class is interested in combating deser…
Imagine a team in the class is interested in combating desertification. For each of their ideas below, use the drop down to select the course concept that fits with it. Plant drought tolerant shrubs in areas that presently lack vegetation. This will aid in the process of [idea1] These drought tolerant shrubs will form root systems that keep water in the area and shade other plants from the harsh sun, making it easier for other species to colonize. This is based on the concept of [idea2]
Read DetailsRather than assuming general ecological patterns hold true f…
Rather than assuming general ecological patterns hold true for this deep sea vent community, you decide to look at production efficiency in depth. You discover that a rat fish that consumes 500J of shrimp typically loses about 300J to cellular respiration. Another 100J is excreted as waste. The remaining 100J is used for growth (incorporated into the rat fish’s body tissues). Given this, which equation best matches the rat fish’s production efficiency?
Read DetailsIn the experiment from the previous question, what types of…
In the experiment from the previous question, what types of species would you expect to find in the undisturbed cylinders? [ans1] What types of species would you expect to find in the cylinders that were disturbed every six days? [ans2] What types of species would you expect to find in the cylinders that were disturbed every two days? [ans3]
Read DetailsTo support species native to Australia, Arid Recovery has cr…
To support species native to Australia, Arid Recovery has created a relatively cat-free preserve by fencing and eliminating cats from a sanctuary. Here is a photo of the set up and an adorable native Australian stick-nest rat from Arid Recovery’s website. Based on the success of the project, they plan to expand their program to protect more land from cats. Imagine you are an ecologist consulting with them on this expansion. List 3 suggestions you would make to the team as they consider the size, shape and/or location of additional protected land. Back up each suggestion by briefly explaining the ecological principle it is based on. 1. Suggestion 1 with supporting ecology principle. (3 points) 2. Suggestion 2 with supporting ecology principle. (3 points) 3. Suggestion 3 with supporting ecology principle (3 points)
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