Chapter 23 - Population Ecology, Community Ecology, and Biodiversity

Abiotic

________ (nonliving) and biotic (living) elements both influence biodiversity.

Crocodiles

________ would consume some of the creatures that graze on seeds and plants on rain forest islands with top predators, decreasing the population of these animals and protecting the number of plant species in these locations.

variety of living

The ________ creatures in an ecosystem is referred to as biodiversity.

K

________- selected reproductive techniques are more common in populations that live in more stable conditions and have more energy available.

Logistic growth

________ occurs in K- selected populations, which are sensitive to density- dependent variables.

Mutations

________ are unpredictably occurring phenomena, but selection is not.

Hurricanes

________ and other severe weather events can reduce plant and animal variety in a region.

reproductive cycle

Each ________ gives birth to a significant number of progeny.

natural catastrophes

Temperature, precipitation, and ________ are examples of density- independent variables (such as forest fires or volcanic eruptions)

Rapid environmental changes

________ can hasten the rate of evolution.

Humans

________ also contribute to pollution, which makes water supplies less suitable for other animals.

weather events

Severe ________, such as hurricanes, can reduce plant and animal productivity.

reproductive system

The ________ is influenced by the availability of energy.

number of consumers

The ________ that may live in an ecosystem is limited by biotic variables such as the number of producers.

Mutations

________ are responsible for the evolution of adaptations.