Deck 48: An Introduction to Ecology

Question 1

Name the five main levels of study in ecology and explain why they are said to have a hierarchical relationship.

Answer 1

Ecology studies are conducted at five different levels. The levels are categorized to understand the biology and physiology of organisms with respect to their environment. The studies are conducted at the level of individual organisms, the population of the organisms, and interactions of the population with other populations in a community.
The following are the five levels at which ecology studies are conducted:
• Organismal ecology
• Population ecology
• Community ecology
• Ecosystem ecology
• Global ecology
Organismal ecology : It deals with how individual organisms interact with each other and with their physical environment.
Population ecology: It deals with the dynamics and interacts of a population.
Community ecology: It deals with interactions among the species, or different populations in a community, and how it affects their surroundings.
Ecosystem ecology : The study under this level includes the flow of nutrients and energy among the organisms and through the surrounding atmosphere.
Global ecology: The studies under this include the effect of global changes like climatic changes and nutrient cycling, on the biosphere.
The levels are considered hierarchical since each level mentioned above is a subset of the previous level. A large number of organisms live in a population, and many different populations constitute a community.

Question 2

Where do rain shadows exist?

A) the part of a mountain that receives prevailing winds and heavy rain
B) the region beyond a mountain range that receives dry air masses
C) the region along the equator where precipitation is abundant
D) the region near 30° N and 30° S latitude that receives hot, dry air masses

Answer 2

Areas that receive dry air are said to be in the rain shadow. Rain shadows exists in the region beyond a mountain range that receivers dry air masses. For example: - Mountain ranges occur along the pacific coast of southern California and Mexico but these areas are arid because they are dominated by dry air that is part of the Hadley circulation.
Hence the correct answer is (b) the region beyond a mountain range that receives dry air masses.

Question 3

What is the predominant type of vegetation in a tropical wet forest?

A) shrubs and bunchgrasses
B) herbs, grasses, and vines
C) broad-leaved deciduous trees
D) broad-leaved evergreen trees

Answer 3

Tropical wet forests are also called as tropical rain forests which are found in equatorial regions around the world. Plants in this biome have broad leaves as opposed to narrow, needle like leaves and are evergreen.
Hence the correct answer is (d) Broad-leaved evergreen trees.

Question 4

What is one expected consequence of global climate change?

A) Average rainfall will increase.
B) Average rainfall will decrease.
C) Variability in rainfall will increase.
D) We cannot make predictions about future rainfall.