Biodiversity And Ecology

The earth's long-term patterns of speciation and extinction have been affected by the large-scale movement of the continents (continental drift), gradual climate change caused by continental drift and slight shifts in the earth's orbit, and rapid climate change caused by volcanoes, meteorites, and asteroids striking the earth, and the release of large amounts of methane trapped beneath the ocean floor. These factors have all played significant roles in shaping the Earth's biodiversity over time.

Mutualism is the correct answer because it refers to a symbiotic relationship where both parties involved benefit from the interaction. In the case of pollination, flowering plants provide nectar and pollen as a food source for animals like insects, birds, and bats. In return, these animals transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the plants' reproduction. This mutually beneficial relationship ensures the plants' survival and genetic diversity, while the animals receive a source of nutrition.

All of the choices are correct because each of these ecosystems supports a high level of biodiversity. Tropical rainforests are known for their rich variety of plant and animal species. Coral reefs are home to a diverse range of marine life. Deep seas contain a vast array of unique and often undiscovered species. Large tropical lakes also support a wide range of biodiversity. Therefore, all of these options can be considered as locations with high levels of biodiversity.

This scenario is an example of coevolution because both the predator and prey populations are evolving in response to each other. The prey population is developing traits that allow them to escape or hide from their predators, while the predator population is developing traits that allow them to successfully hunt the better-adapted prey. This reciprocal evolution between two species is known as coevolution.

Biologists estimate that 99.9% of all species that have ever existed are now extinct. This high percentage suggests that the vast majority of species that have ever lived on Earth have not survived to the present day. Extinction is a natural process that occurs over time, and the fact that such a large percentage of species have gone extinct highlights the ever-changing nature of life on our planet.

Intraspecific competition refers to the competition between individuals of the same species for the same resources. This type of competition occurs when individuals within a species compete for limited resources such as food, water, territory, or mates. It can lead to the evolution of traits that enhance an individual's ability to compete, such as increased aggression or better foraging skills. Intraspecific competition is an important factor in population dynamics and can influence the distribution and abundance of individuals within a species.