Penguins and alcids are ecological equivalents. Describe what is meant by ecological equivalency and explain why you think it may arise

What will be an ideal response?


Ecological equivalency is when two different species occupy the same ecological niche in two different areas that share similar environmental characteristics. It results when the two species evolve independently to look like each other because of nearly identical evolutionary selective factors. In the case of penguins and alcids, they both live in cold subpolar areas. They share a number of similar features such as awkward movement on land and efficient underwater swimming in pursuit of similar prey.

Biology & Microbiology

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The density of the organisms living at great depths is about:

a. the same as the surrounding density. b. greater than the surrounding density. c. less than the surrounding density.

Biology & Microbiology

An individual is exposed to a pathogen and takes five days to recover. When exposed a year later they

again take five days to recover. Would you suspect that adaptive immunity was involved? What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology

Evidence that all living cells have a common origin is provided by:

a. the cell theory, which states that the cell is the basic unit of life. b. the fact that all new cells come from previously existing cells. c. the fact that cells are the building blocks of the most complex plants. d. basic similarities in cell structure and chemistry. e. the fact that cells are the smallest units that can carry out all life activities.

Biology & Microbiology

A DNA microarray (also called a DNA chip) can be used to ________

A) detect mutations that may indicate a risk of disease B) detect RFLPs C) generate mutations in the gene of interest D) determine protein translation levels

Biology & Microbiology