Practice Questions: Unit 2: Ecology

2.1 Individuals and populations, communities, and ecosystems

Individuals and populations

Ans. ​The significance of using binomial names in scientific classification lies in their ability to
provide a universal naming system that reduces confusion caused by common names. Binomial
names consist of two parts: the genus name and the species name, which are standardized and
recognized globally. In contrast, common names can vary by region and language, leading to
potential misidentification.

2. Why is taxonomy described as a hierarchy, and how do the taxa from species to domain
reflect levels of exclusivity and shared characteristics?

Ans. Taxonomy is described as a hierarchy because it organizes living organisms into ranked
categories, each representing a level of exclusivity and shared characteristics. The hierarchy
ranges from broad categories, such as domain, which includes many organisms, to specific
categories, like species, which includes individuals that can interbreed. This structure reflects
how closely related organisms are and the traits they share.

3. Explain the limitations of common names in identifying organisms, especially in different

Ans. The limitations of common names in identifying organisms include regional variations and
language differences. For example, the common name "jaguar" may refer to different species in
various cultures, leading to confusion. Additionally, some organisms may have multiple common
names, making it difficult to ascertain which species is being referenced.

4. Discuss the challenges taxonomists face when classifying organisms into a taxonomy.

Ans. Taxonomists face challenges such as the discovery of new species, the reclassification of
existing species based on new data, and the need for a consistent methodology. Genetic
analysis and morphological studies can lead to conflicting classifications, complicating the
development of a universally accepted taxonomy.

5. Using the provided hierarchy of Homo sapiens, place the following taxa in the correct order
from most exclusive to least exclusive: Kingdom, Family, Genus, Order, Domain, Class,
Species, Phylum.

Ans. The correct order from most exclusive to least exclusive for Homo sapiens is: Species,
Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum, Kingdom, Domain
6. Give two examples of how new scientific discoveries, such as genetic analysis, have
challenged traditional classification methods.

Ans. Two examples of how new scientific discoveries have challenged traditional classification
methods include the use of genetic analysis revealing that certain organisms thought to be
closely related are actually more distantly related, and the discovery of horizontal gene transfer
in bacteria, which complicates the tree of life and traditional lineage-based classifications.

7. Create a dichotomous key for identifying four tree species: oak, pine, maple, and birch, using
their leaf characteristics

Ans. A dichotomous key for identifying the four tree species based on leaf characteristics could
look like this:

Leaves needle-like → Pine

8. Describe the limitations of using a dichotomous key to identify species, especially when
organisms have similar physical characteristics or when observing organisms in varying
developmental stages. Provide an example.

Ans. The limitations of using a dichotomous key include difficulties in distinguishing between
organisms with similar physical characteristics or when observing them in different
developmental stages. For example, young oak and maple trees may have similar leaf shapes,
making it challenging to identify them accurately using a dichotomous key.

9. Explain how abiotic factors influence the distribution of populations in an ecosystem.

Ans. Abiotic factors influence the distribution of populations in an ecosystem by affecting the
conditions necessary for survival. For example, temperature can determine the types of species
that can thrive in a region; certain plants may only grow in specific temperature ranges. Sunlight
affects photosynthesis, influencing plant growth and, consequently, the herbivores that depend
on them. Water availability is crucial for all organisms, while pH and salinity can affect the types
of aquatic life present in a habitat.

10. Analyze the relationship between fundamental and realized niches in shaping population
dynamics.
Include in your answer how competition between species affects realized niches and provide
examples of how abiotic and biotic factors play a role.

Ans. The relationship between fundamental and realized niches is crucial in shaping population
dynamics. The fundamental niche represents the full range of conditions under which a species
can survive and reproduce, while the realized niche is the actual conditions in which the species
exists, often influenced by competition. For instance, two bird species may compete for the
same food source, limiting their realized niches. Abiotic factors like temperature and biotic
factors like predation also play significant roles in determining these niches.

11. Evaluate the role of predator-prey interactions in maintaining ecosystem stability.

Ans. Predator-prey interactions are essential for maintaining ecosystem stability. For example,
in a rabbit-fox dynamic, when rabbit populations increase, fox populations also grow due to the
abundance of food. However, as foxes consume more rabbits, the rabbit population declines,
leading to a subsequent decrease in the fox population as food becomes scarce. This negative
feedback mechanism helps maintain balance and biodiversity within the ecosystem.

12. Compare and contrast predation, herbivory, and parasitism as types of species interactions
in ecosystems. Discuss the similarities and differences in their impacts on population dynamics
and ecosystem stability, providing examples for each interaction.

Ans. Predation, herbivory, and parasitism are types of species interactions that impact
population dynamics and ecosystem stability. Predation involves one organism (the predator)
consuming another (the prey), which can regulate prey populations. Herbivory is similar, where
herbivores consume plants, affecting plant populations and distribution. Parasitism involves one
organism benefiting at the expense of another, which can weaken host populations. While all
three interactions can lead to population control, their impacts differ; predation can lead to
immediate population declines, herbivory can shape plant community structures, and parasitism
can lead to long-term host population changes.