Niches - AP Environmental Science
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Which of the following is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted?
Which of the following is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted?
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A niche is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted. It is the role of a particular species within an ecosystem, including all aspects of its interaction with the living and nonliving environments. Habituation is a common form of simple learning, defined as a decline in response to a repeated stimulus. The ability to habituate is adaptive. Humans habituate to many stimuli: city dwellers to traffic sounds, and country dwellers to the sounds of nature. A biome is a terrestrial ecosystem that occupies an extensive geographical area and is characterized by a specfic type of plant community. A community is all the interacting populations within an ecosystem. Terrioriality is the defense of an area in which important resources are located.
A niche is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted. It is the role of a particular species within an ecosystem, including all aspects of its interaction with the living and nonliving environments. Habituation is a common form of simple learning, defined as a decline in response to a repeated stimulus. The ability to habituate is adaptive. Humans habituate to many stimuli: city dwellers to traffic sounds, and country dwellers to the sounds of nature. A biome is a terrestrial ecosystem that occupies an extensive geographical area and is characterized by a specfic type of plant community. A community is all the interacting populations within an ecosystem. Terrioriality is the defense of an area in which important resources are located.
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Giraffes use their incredibly long necks and tough, prehensile tongues to expertly remove acacia leaves from their spiky branches. Honey badgers are opportunistic and will chase other predators away from carcasses to eat carrion. They will also destroy beehives with their huge claws to reach honey. Additionally, they can use their claws to dig burrows and find yams. Gerenuks will stand on their back legs to reach the tops of grassland shrubs, which is a unique trait among grass eating antelope. Last, aardvarks have immense nails and sticky tongues that they use to open termite mounds and consume thousands of termites and ants in a given night.
Using this information, which of the following species would best be described as a niche generalist?
Giraffes use their incredibly long necks and tough, prehensile tongues to expertly remove acacia leaves from their spiky branches. Honey badgers are opportunistic and will chase other predators away from carcasses to eat carrion. They will also destroy beehives with their huge claws to reach honey. Additionally, they can use their claws to dig burrows and find yams. Gerenuks will stand on their back legs to reach the tops of grassland shrubs, which is a unique trait among grass eating antelope. Last, aardvarks have immense nails and sticky tongues that they use to open termite mounds and consume thousands of termites and ants in a given night.
Using this information, which of the following species would best be described as a niche generalist?
Tap to reveal answer
A species generalist can survive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and make use of varying resources. Honey badgers are generalists because they eat proportionally smaller amounts of many types of food over their lifetime. The other species listed are specialists and eat a proportionally large amount of one or few types of food over their lifetimes.
A species generalist can survive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and make use of varying resources. Honey badgers are generalists because they eat proportionally smaller amounts of many types of food over their lifetime. The other species listed are specialists and eat a proportionally large amount of one or few types of food over their lifetimes.
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Which tree is an important element of marsh ecosystems and serves as protection for young marine life?
Which tree is an important element of marsh ecosystems and serves as protection for young marine life?
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Mangrove roots grow densely in salt water and form nurseries for young marine life before they are large enough to move into more open waters. Mangroves have many special adaptations for surviving in marshy environments.
Mangrove roots grow densely in salt water and form nurseries for young marine life before they are large enough to move into more open waters. Mangroves have many special adaptations for surviving in marshy environments.
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A species' is its unique role and position in its ecosystem.
A species' is its unique role and position in its ecosystem.
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A species' niche is its unique role and position in its ecosystem. This could be the type of home it builds, the food it eats, or anything unique to that species' position in life. In balanced ecosystems, species' niches are diverse with only minor overlap to reduce unnecessary competition.
Evolution is the process that creates diverse species. Though evolution can be tracked through fossils, it can also be observed in modern times. A habitat is an organism’s home, which provides the organism food, water, and shelter. Last, an ecosystem is a community of organisms (plants and animals) and their nonliving environment (air, soil, water).
A species' niche is its unique role and position in its ecosystem. This could be the type of home it builds, the food it eats, or anything unique to that species' position in life. In balanced ecosystems, species' niches are diverse with only minor overlap to reduce unnecessary competition.
Evolution is the process that creates diverse species. Though evolution can be tracked through fossils, it can also be observed in modern times. A habitat is an organism’s home, which provides the organism food, water, and shelter. Last, an ecosystem is a community of organisms (plants and animals) and their nonliving environment (air, soil, water).
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Every species has a different range of habitat in which it can exist. A healthy species that is found only in a specific region (i.e. Hawaii) is said to be to that region.
Every species has a different range of habitat in which it can exist. A healthy species that is found only in a specific region (i.e. Hawaii) is said to be to that region.
Tap to reveal answer
“Endemic” is the only answer choice that makes sense. An endemic species is defined as a species found specifically in one region and nowhere else. The words "endangered" and "extant" refer to unhealthy species, and the question specifically uses the word healthy to describe the species. The word "eutrophic" has nothing to do with the question and relates to pollution related to algae blooms in nutrient rich biomes.
“Endemic” is the only answer choice that makes sense. An endemic species is defined as a species found specifically in one region and nowhere else. The words "endangered" and "extant" refer to unhealthy species, and the question specifically uses the word healthy to describe the species. The word "eutrophic" has nothing to do with the question and relates to pollution related to algae blooms in nutrient rich biomes.
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The idea of the niche has been a useful tool in ecology to help scientists understand species interactions within an ecosystem. Which niche theory in ecology states that, "No two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for an extended period of time"?
The idea of the niche has been a useful tool in ecology to help scientists understand species interactions within an ecosystem. Which niche theory in ecology states that, "No two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for an extended period of time"?
Tap to reveal answer
The correct response is Competitive Exclusion Principle. This is the only answer choice that is specific to niches and competition.
The correct response is Competitive Exclusion Principle. This is the only answer choice that is specific to niches and competition.
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Niche Theory allows us to understand the role a species plays in its environment. Niche Theory includes a species home range, life history, mating patterns, food sources, and many other characteristics. Which of the following terms is used to describe the whole range of areas a species can occupy within its environment?
Niche Theory allows us to understand the role a species plays in its environment. Niche Theory includes a species home range, life history, mating patterns, food sources, and many other characteristics. Which of the following terms is used to describe the whole range of areas a species can occupy within its environment?
Tap to reveal answer
The correct response is Fundamental niche. This fundamental niche describes all the possible locations that a species can live. The term realized niche is where a species actually lives in response to its predator-prey and competitive relationships. The other two answer choices are made up terms.
The correct response is Fundamental niche. This fundamental niche describes all the possible locations that a species can live. The term realized niche is where a species actually lives in response to its predator-prey and competitive relationships. The other two answer choices are made up terms.
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Individuals who are better-adapted to a certain environment are more likely to survive and reproduce; thus increasing the the proportion of those individuals in a population. This process is called natural selection.
Over time, natural selection can result in a population specializing to form what?
Individuals who are better-adapted to a certain environment are more likely to survive and reproduce; thus increasing the the proportion of those individuals in a population. This process is called natural selection.
Over time, natural selection can result in a population specializing to form what?
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Adaptations improve an individual's chances of surviving and reproducing and are part of the natural selection process, not an end result. Inheritable variation and reproductive success, along with high reproductive capacity and differential reproductive success, are the observable factors supporting the theory of natural selection. Mutations are variations in the genes of individuals and are part of the natural selection process.
Adaptations improve an individual's chances of surviving and reproducing and are part of the natural selection process, not an end result. Inheritable variation and reproductive success, along with high reproductive capacity and differential reproductive success, are the observable factors supporting the theory of natural selection. Mutations are variations in the genes of individuals and are part of the natural selection process.
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The process by which species are driven into different niches by availability of resources is called .
The process by which species are driven into different niches by availability of resources is called .
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Niche partitioning occurs when species develop different patterns of obtaining resources to avoid overlapping and over-exploiting the same resource. A classic example is in nest-height preference in birds. Some are more adapted for and prefer lower parts of the tree while others prefer the treetops. This eliminates some inter-species competition.
Niche partitioning occurs when species develop different patterns of obtaining resources to avoid overlapping and over-exploiting the same resource. A classic example is in nest-height preference in birds. Some are more adapted for and prefer lower parts of the tree while others prefer the treetops. This eliminates some inter-species competition.
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The taiga habitat contains what type of soil?
The taiga habitat contains what type of soil?
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Taiga, otherwise known as boreal forest and found in Northern Europe, North America, and Northern Asia, contains mostly pine trees and other evergreens. The soil type is acidic, as is preferred by those trees.
Taiga, otherwise known as boreal forest and found in Northern Europe, North America, and Northern Asia, contains mostly pine trees and other evergreens. The soil type is acidic, as is preferred by those trees.
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Some plant species require their seeds to be "activated" by high temperatures, and only sprout after a forest fire. Given this, where in the succession must these species be placed?
Some plant species require their seeds to be "activated" by high temperatures, and only sprout after a forest fire. Given this, where in the succession must these species be placed?
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A plant that starts to sprout directly after a disturbance such as a forest fire is a primary successor. These plants are called pioneer species, but their location in the succession is in the primary spot (one example of such a species is the Yosemite Sequoia.)
A plant that starts to sprout directly after a disturbance such as a forest fire is a primary successor. These plants are called pioneer species, but their location in the succession is in the primary spot (one example of such a species is the Yosemite Sequoia.)
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A group of species that share common food sources avoid competition by living in different locations. Of which of the following is this an example?
A group of species that share common food sources avoid competition by living in different locations. Of which of the following is this an example?
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The competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche without one of them driving the other extinct. Thus, species either occupy a slightly different niche, or occupy a different physical location from one another, an evolutionary strategy known as niche partitioning.
The competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche without one of them driving the other extinct. Thus, species either occupy a slightly different niche, or occupy a different physical location from one another, an evolutionary strategy known as niche partitioning.
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Two similar birds live in the same tree, but consume differently sized insects. What is this an example of?
Two similar birds live in the same tree, but consume differently sized insects. What is this an example of?
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Because two species cannot exist within the same niche, if they are to occupy the same geographic space, they must use different resources, or one of them will be driven to extinction. This practice is known as resource partitioning.
Because two species cannot exist within the same niche, if they are to occupy the same geographic space, they must use different resources, or one of them will be driven to extinction. This practice is known as resource partitioning.
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Which of the following is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted?
Which of the following is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted?
Tap to reveal answer
A niche is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted. It is the role of a particular species within an ecosystem, including all aspects of its interaction with the living and nonliving environments. Habituation is a common form of simple learning, defined as a decline in response to a repeated stimulus. The ability to habituate is adaptive. Humans habituate to many stimuli: city dwellers to traffic sounds, and country dwellers to the sounds of nature. A biome is a terrestrial ecosystem that occupies an extensive geographical area and is characterized by a specfic type of plant community. A community is all the interacting populations within an ecosystem. Terrioriality is the defense of an area in which important resources are located.
A niche is a habitat and way of life to which a particular organism is adapted. It is the role of a particular species within an ecosystem, including all aspects of its interaction with the living and nonliving environments. Habituation is a common form of simple learning, defined as a decline in response to a repeated stimulus. The ability to habituate is adaptive. Humans habituate to many stimuli: city dwellers to traffic sounds, and country dwellers to the sounds of nature. A biome is a terrestrial ecosystem that occupies an extensive geographical area and is characterized by a specfic type of plant community. A community is all the interacting populations within an ecosystem. Terrioriality is the defense of an area in which important resources are located.
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Giraffes use their incredibly long necks and tough, prehensile tongues to expertly remove acacia leaves from their spiky branches. Honey badgers are opportunistic and will chase other predators away from carcasses to eat carrion. They will also destroy beehives with their huge claws to reach honey. Additionally, they can use their claws to dig burrows and find yams. Gerenuks will stand on their back legs to reach the tops of grassland shrubs, which is a unique trait among grass eating antelope. Last, aardvarks have immense nails and sticky tongues that they use to open termite mounds and consume thousands of termites and ants in a given night.
Using this information, which of the following species would best be described as a niche generalist?
Giraffes use their incredibly long necks and tough, prehensile tongues to expertly remove acacia leaves from their spiky branches. Honey badgers are opportunistic and will chase other predators away from carcasses to eat carrion. They will also destroy beehives with their huge claws to reach honey. Additionally, they can use their claws to dig burrows and find yams. Gerenuks will stand on their back legs to reach the tops of grassland shrubs, which is a unique trait among grass eating antelope. Last, aardvarks have immense nails and sticky tongues that they use to open termite mounds and consume thousands of termites and ants in a given night.
Using this information, which of the following species would best be described as a niche generalist?
Tap to reveal answer
A species generalist can survive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and make use of varying resources. Honey badgers are generalists because they eat proportionally smaller amounts of many types of food over their lifetime. The other species listed are specialists and eat a proportionally large amount of one or few types of food over their lifetimes.
A species generalist can survive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and make use of varying resources. Honey badgers are generalists because they eat proportionally smaller amounts of many types of food over their lifetime. The other species listed are specialists and eat a proportionally large amount of one or few types of food over their lifetimes.
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Which tree is an important element of marsh ecosystems and serves as protection for young marine life?
Which tree is an important element of marsh ecosystems and serves as protection for young marine life?
Tap to reveal answer
Mangrove roots grow densely in salt water and form nurseries for young marine life before they are large enough to move into more open waters. Mangroves have many special adaptations for surviving in marshy environments.
Mangrove roots grow densely in salt water and form nurseries for young marine life before they are large enough to move into more open waters. Mangroves have many special adaptations for surviving in marshy environments.
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A species' is its unique role and position in its ecosystem.
A species' is its unique role and position in its ecosystem.
Tap to reveal answer
A species' niche is its unique role and position in its ecosystem. This could be the type of home it builds, the food it eats, or anything unique to that species' position in life. In balanced ecosystems, species' niches are diverse with only minor overlap to reduce unnecessary competition.
Evolution is the process that creates diverse species. Though evolution can be tracked through fossils, it can also be observed in modern times. A habitat is an organism’s home, which provides the organism food, water, and shelter. Last, an ecosystem is a community of organisms (plants and animals) and their nonliving environment (air, soil, water).
A species' niche is its unique role and position in its ecosystem. This could be the type of home it builds, the food it eats, or anything unique to that species' position in life. In balanced ecosystems, species' niches are diverse with only minor overlap to reduce unnecessary competition.
Evolution is the process that creates diverse species. Though evolution can be tracked through fossils, it can also be observed in modern times. A habitat is an organism’s home, which provides the organism food, water, and shelter. Last, an ecosystem is a community of organisms (plants and animals) and their nonliving environment (air, soil, water).
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Every species has a different range of habitat in which it can exist. A healthy species that is found only in a specific region (i.e. Hawaii) is said to be to that region.
Every species has a different range of habitat in which it can exist. A healthy species that is found only in a specific region (i.e. Hawaii) is said to be to that region.
Tap to reveal answer
“Endemic” is the only answer choice that makes sense. An endemic species is defined as a species found specifically in one region and nowhere else. The words "endangered" and "extant" refer to unhealthy species, and the question specifically uses the word healthy to describe the species. The word "eutrophic" has nothing to do with the question and relates to pollution related to algae blooms in nutrient rich biomes.
“Endemic” is the only answer choice that makes sense. An endemic species is defined as a species found specifically in one region and nowhere else. The words "endangered" and "extant" refer to unhealthy species, and the question specifically uses the word healthy to describe the species. The word "eutrophic" has nothing to do with the question and relates to pollution related to algae blooms in nutrient rich biomes.
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The idea of the niche has been a useful tool in ecology to help scientists understand species interactions within an ecosystem. Which niche theory in ecology states that, "No two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for an extended period of time"?
The idea of the niche has been a useful tool in ecology to help scientists understand species interactions within an ecosystem. Which niche theory in ecology states that, "No two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for an extended period of time"?
Tap to reveal answer
The correct response is Competitive Exclusion Principle. This is the only answer choice that is specific to niches and competition.
The correct response is Competitive Exclusion Principle. This is the only answer choice that is specific to niches and competition.
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Niche Theory allows us to understand the role a species plays in its environment. Niche Theory includes a species home range, life history, mating patterns, food sources, and many other characteristics. Which of the following terms is used to describe the whole range of areas a species can occupy within its environment?
Niche Theory allows us to understand the role a species plays in its environment. Niche Theory includes a species home range, life history, mating patterns, food sources, and many other characteristics. Which of the following terms is used to describe the whole range of areas a species can occupy within its environment?
Tap to reveal answer
The correct response is Fundamental niche. This fundamental niche describes all the possible locations that a species can live. The term realized niche is where a species actually lives in response to its predator-prey and competitive relationships. The other two answer choices are made up terms.
The correct response is Fundamental niche. This fundamental niche describes all the possible locations that a species can live. The term realized niche is where a species actually lives in response to its predator-prey and competitive relationships. The other two answer choices are made up terms.
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