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Niche Lab

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hjuba.gungao
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86 views3 pages

Niche Lab

Uploaded by

hjuba.gungao
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Finding a Niche in a New Environment

Introduction A species of insect has been accidentally introduced from Asia into
the North American forest. The success of this organism depends on its ability to
find a suitable habitat, that is, one with the proper abiotic conditions for all of
its life stages. The larval stage is very sensitive to changes in temperature,
humidity, and light conditions. Exposure to situations outside the tolerance
limits of this species results in a high mortality rate. Data showing the
influence of the three physical variables on the larva are presented in Table 1 in
the google sheets view. The data for each variable were obtained while the other
two variables remained constant.

Procedure

1. Open up a copy of the google sheets linked below


2. Plot graphs that show the effect of temperature and humidity on the mortality
rates of the introduced species. You will need to copy and paste all 3 graphs back
into this google doc.

Data Table on Google Sheets

insert graphs below

Graph 1

Temperature
(°C)
Mortality (%)
15
100
16
80
17
30
18
10
19
0
20
0
21
0
22
0
23
20
24
80
25
100

Graph 2

Relative Humidity (%)


Mortality (%)
100
80
90
10
80
0
70
0
60
0
50
50
40
70
30
90
20
100
10
100
0
100

Graph 3

Light intensity (foot candles)


Mortality (%)
200
0
400
0
600
10
800
15
1000
20
1200
20
1400
90
1600
95
1800
100
2000
100
--
--

Analysis and Discussion

1. How much does the suitable area for the temperature factor decrease when the
humidity factor is added?

It decreases a sizeable amount, leaving a small range where the insects will
flourish, and a wide area where theres a good chance they’ll die.

2. One spring morning while the larvae were feeding in the open, the temperature
dropped to 18oC and a strong wind lowered the relative humidity to 40 percent. The
light intensity was 400 foot-candles. Which factor had the greatest influence on
insect mortality?

The factor that had the greatest effect of these three was probably the strong wind
lowering the humidity to 40%, as in the charts that had a mortality rate of 70%

3. What other factors determine whether terrestrial organisms can find a niche in
the environment?

Its specific habitat, its role in the ecosystem, and how it obtains food can be
significant contenders for whether the organisms can find a niche

4. Suggest a habitat that might suit this insect. How could it react to
intolerable temperatures, relative humidities, and light intensities?

maybe a slightly less humid temperate rainforest might do the trick? they typically
have temperatures needed, and dont get lots of light.

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