Biology Chapter 3 Test

Lichens are referred to as "pioneer" species because they are the first organisms to establish and thrive in a new area. They are able to reproduce successfully, which allows them to colonize and spread in the environment. This ability to reproduce ensures their survival and enables them to establish a stable population in the area.

Primary succession occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as on bare rock. This process involves the colonization of pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, which gradually break down the rock and create a thin layer of soil. Over time, more complex plants and organisms can establish themselves in this newly formed soil, leading to the development of a stable and diverse ecosystem. Primary succession is a slow and gradual process that can take hundreds or even thousands of years to complete.

Secondary succession occurs as the result of a disturbance to an area that already has soil and was once the home of living organisms. This type of succession happens when an existing ecosystem is disrupted or destroyed, but the soil and some organisms remain. Over time, new plant and animal species colonize the area, gradually restoring the ecosystem to its original state. Unlike primary succession, which occurs in areas without soil or living organisms, secondary succession is a more rapid process as it builds upon the existing soil and biological legacy of the area.

This statement is true because not all introduced species become invasive. Introduced species are those that have been brought to a new location outside of their native range. While some introduced species can become invasive and negatively impact the native ecosystem, many introduced species do not have a significant impact and coexist peacefully with the native species. Therefore, it is accurate to say that not all introduced species are invasive species.

A thunderstorm is a short-lived and localized weather event that typically involves heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. While thunderstorms can cause some disruption to the environment, such as uprooting trees or causing localized flooding, they do not typically result in widespread destruction or significant changes to the ecosystem. On the other hand, flooding, tsunamis, and droughts are natural events that can cause more severe and long-lasting impacts on the environment, leading to secondary succession.

Lichens and other pioneer species play a crucial role in the process of rock weathering and soil formation. They release acids that break down rocks into smaller particles, facilitating their decomposition. Additionally, when these organisms die and decompose, they contribute organic matter to the soil, enriching its content. This process is essential for the establishment of a stable ecosystem and the colonization of other plant species. Therefore, the statement is true.

When deforestation occurs, the removal of plants and trees leaves the soil exposed to the elements. Without the roots of plants and trees to hold the soil in place, wind and water can easily erode the topsoil. This erosion leads to soil degradation as the nutrient-rich topsoil is lost, making it difficult for new plants to grow and sustain the ecosystem.

The winters not being cold enough to kill beetle larvae allows them to survive and continue infesting the trees. Additionally, the overcrowding of trees adds stress to them, making them more vulnerable to beetle infestations.

European starlings have a significant impact on native birds by out-competing them for food and nesting sites. This invasive species is known for its aggressive behavior and ability to adapt to various environments. With their large numbers and aggressive feeding habits, European starlings can quickly deplete food sources that native birds rely on. They also take over nesting sites, leaving native birds without suitable places to raise their young. This competition for resources can have a detrimental effect on native bird populations, leading to declines in their numbers.

The blue stain fungus, carried in the beetle's mouth, destroys the tree's ability to use the resin. This means that even though the pine trees release large amounts of sticky resin to trap the beetles, the beetles are able to avoid it because the fungus prevents the tree from effectively using the resin as a defense mechanism.

After the glaciers retreated and temperatures began to rise, the process of primary succession began to occur. Primary succession is the process of ecological succession that takes place in an area that is completely devoid of life or soil, such as the barren landscape left behind by the melting glaciers. This process involves the gradual colonization and establishment of plant and animal species in the area, starting with pioneer species that can tolerate harsh conditions and gradually giving way to more complex and diverse communities over time. Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas where there is already soil present, such as after a disturbance like a fire or a landslide. Natural selection and adaptive radiation are concepts related to the evolution and diversification of species, which are not directly relevant to the process of ecological succession.

The responsible use of resources and the preservation of habitats would most likely be found in a sustainable ecosystem because these behaviors promote the conservation and protection of the environment. By responsibly using resources, such as reducing waste and practicing sustainable farming methods, the ecosystem can maintain its balance and avoid depletion of resources. Additionally, preserving habitats ensures that the diverse range of species and their interactions are maintained, allowing for a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

Purple loosestrife is considered an invasive species because it was brought to North America accidentally and has since reproduced rapidly and aggressively. This species has the ability to outcompete and displace native species, such as the cattail, which can have negative ecological impacts on the local ecosystem.

Habitat fragmentation refers to the process of dividing a large, continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches. In this scenario, installing tall fences along roads would create barriers that restrict the movement of animals, effectively fragmenting their habitat. This can lead to negative effects on the original ecosystem, such as reduced genetic diversity, limited access to resources, and increased vulnerability to predators.

In the past 30 years, international travel has become more prevalent, allowing for the easier introduction of species to ecosystems in Canada. With increased travel, there is a higher likelihood of unintentionally bringing in foreign species, either through stowaways or unintentional release. These introduced species may not have natural predators or competitors in their new environment, leading to their rapid proliferation and disruption of the local ecosystem. This has contributed to the increased threat of invasive species in Canada.

The term "native species" applies to the cattails in this scenario because they have been growing in British Columbia naturally, without any human intervention. They are not non-native or introduced species that have been brought from other regions or countries. Additionally, they are being crowded out by the invasive and aggressive purple loosestrife, which further supports the idea that they are native to the area.

Controlled burning of grass and bushes is a common practice in land management. It helps to remove dead vegetation, reduce the risk of wildfires, and stimulate new growth. This new growth provides fresh food sources for animals, attracting them to the area. Therefore, the statement that controlled burning promotes new growth and attracts animals is true.

The statement is true because fungus weakens whitebark pines, which are a source of food for the nutcracker. This suggests that if the fungus weakens the pines, it could potentially impact the availability of food for the nutcracker. Therefore, the statement is correct.

The primary effect of the invasive American bullfrog in British Columbia is that they prey upon many native species of frogs.

Wild boars are not causing problems in the Garry Oak ecosystem. This can be inferred from the question as it asks which invasive species is NOT causing problems. The gypsy moth, Scotch broom, and grey squirrel are all invasive species that are known to cause issues in the Garry Oak ecosystem. However, there is no mention or indication that wild boars are causing any problems in this particular ecosystem.

not-available-via-ai

An introduced species that feeds on another introduced species would not necessarily be classified as invasive because it is not directly competing with native species for resources or weakening them. Instead, it is consuming another non-native species, which may or may not have negative effects on the ecosystem. The impact of this feeding behavior on the native species would depend on the specific interactions and adaptations of the introduced and native species involved.

The diagram above represents ecological succession, which is the process of change in the species composition of a community over time. It shows the progression from bare ground to a mature and stable ecosystem. This process involves the colonization of pioneer species, which are gradually replaced by more complex and diverse species as the environment changes. The diagram illustrates the stages of succession, from early colonization to the establishment of a climax community.

not-available-via-ai

The impact of the Scotch broom is that it introduces nitrogen into the soil, which many native species cannot survive.

Secondary succession does not necessarily begin again when seasons change and new plants and animals appear. Secondary succession refers to the process of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has been previously disturbed or disrupted, such as after a wildfire or human activity. It involves the reestablishment of a community of organisms in an area that previously had a functioning ecosystem. Seasons changing and new plants and animals appearing would typically be part of the natural progression of primary succession, where a community develops in a previously barren or lifeless area.

Reclamation refers to the process of restoring a disturbed or damaged area back to its original state or a state that is similar to its surrounding environment. In the given answer, a former mine site is developed to match the surrounding landforms, and the topsoil that was removed before mining began is replaced. This process of restoring the mine site to its original condition by replacing the topsoil and matching the landforms is an example of reclamation.

Introduced species are organisms that are not native to a particular ecosystem or region. While they can sometimes have negative impacts on native species and ecosystems, it is not accurate to say that they weaken the immune systems of native species. The effects of introduced species can vary widely and may include competition for resources, predation, or habitat alteration, but weakening immune systems is not a universal characteristic.