SE Asian Ecosystem Biogeography Quiz

Mangrove swamps are coastal ecosystems found in Southeast Asia, characterized by waterlogged soils and salt-tolerant trees, such as mangroves. These areas are influenced by tidal movements, which create a unique habitat that supports diverse wildlife and plays a crucial role in coastal protection and carbon storage.

The Wallace Line is a biogeographical boundary that distinguishes the distinct wildlife of Wallacea, which includes islands like Sulawesi and the Lesser Sundas, from the Oriental region, comprising mainland Southeast Asia. This separation highlights the significant evolutionary differences in species due to geographic isolation and varying environmental conditions.

Dipterocarps are a group of large tropical trees characterized by their distinctive two-winged seeds. These trees are vital to the ecology of Southeast Asian lowland rainforests, providing habitat and resources for various wildlife. Their unique seed structure aids in dispersal, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments.

Altitude-related isolation and distinct climate zones create unique habitats in Southeast Asian montane ecosystems. These factors lead to varying environmental conditions that promote the evolution of species adapted to specific altitudes and climates, resulting in high levels of endemism. Species become isolated in these niches, further enhancing their uniqueness and diversity.

Coral reefs are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Rising sea-surface temperatures lead to coral bleaching, which occurs when corals expel the algae living in their tissues, resulting in loss of color and essential nutrients. This phenomenon is primarily driven by climate change, making it the main threat to coral reef ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

The Coral Triangle is a marine area located in Southeast Asia, known for its rich biodiversity. It is shared by six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. This region is recognized for its vast array of marine life and ecosystems, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts.

Ocean current velocity primarily influences marine ecosystems rather than terrestrial ones. In Southeast Asia, key abiotic factors like monsoon precipitation, topographic relief, and soil nutrient availability play a crucial role in shaping the diverse terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, ocean current velocity is less relevant to the region's overall ecosystem diversity.

Southeast Asian peatlands are critical carbon sinks, but they are under threat primarily from drainage practices associated with agriculture and logging. This drainage disrupts the natural water balance, leading to peat degradation and increased carbon emissions, which exacerbates climate change and undermines the ecological integrity of these vital ecosystems.

Seasonal flooding and landslides play a crucial role in shaping Southeast Asian forests by creating new habitats and promoting species diversity. These disturbances facilitate the regeneration of plant species, maintain soil fertility, and influence the ecological dynamics, allowing various organisms to thrive and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

High beta diversity indicates that different habitats within Southeast Asian ecosystems host distinct species compositions. This variation suggests that environmental factors or ecological conditions create unique niches, leading to significant differences in the species present from one habitat to another, rather than a uniform distribution of species across the region.

Montane rainforests are characterized by their unique elevation and climate, which create diverse microhabitats. This biodiversity fosters a variety of specialized ecological niches, allowing for a higher number of endemic mammal species that have adapted to these specific conditions, making them more isolated and unique compared to other habitats.

During periods of lower sea levels, the Sunda Shelf connects islands, facilitating the movement of terrestrial species between them. This connectivity enables species to expand their ranges, colonize new habitats, and promotes genetic exchange, which is crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in Southeast Asia.