Describe the factors that affect species richness. Describe the parameters that would probably result in an environment
with the greatest possible species richness. Knowing what you do about the tropical rain forests, do they meet these
expected parameters? What will be an ideal response?
Concepts to Consider: Species richness increases with the number of potential ecological
niches and the area of the habitat, but is inversely related to the amount of geographical
isolation and the environmental stress of the habitat; species richness is greater in ecotones
due to the edge effect; species richness is greater in old, stable communities. Rain forests are
stable, old, typically continental habitats, and have very high species richness.
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Why is it difficult for small isolated populations of animals to thrive?
a. There would be less genetic diversity. b. They would have difficulty finding a mate. c. They are vulnerable to disease. d. all of these
Approximately what percent of the water that
enters a plant is actually used by the plant for metabolism and other processes?
a. 2 b. 10 c. 25 d. 50 e. 90
What can result in speciation within a few generations?
a. development of a physical barrier b. polyploidy arising in a plant species c. postzygotic isolating mechanisms d. change in environmental conditions e. the introduction of a new predator into an area
The average global temperature has risen ________ over the past 100 years
A) 3°C B) 10°C C) 5°C D) 1°C