Test 2 Biology: Community Ecology 2

Front 1

What are the functional groups of communities?

Back 1

The functional groups of communities are producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Front 2

The feeding relationships that exist among species in a community relate to _________ _________.

Back 2

trophic structure

Front 3

What is the role of decomposers?

Back 3

Decomposers break down dead organic matter to recycle chemicals back into the community.

Front 4

What two functional groups are necessary to form a sustainable community?

Back 4

decomposers and producers

Front 5

What is the role of a dominant species?

Back 5

A dominant species controls the occurrence and distribution of other species in its community due to its enormous total weight (biomass).

Front 6

How do dominant species affect the presence of distribution of other species?

Back 6

Dominant species modify habitat and create ecological niches.

Front 7

What is the role of a foundation species?

Back 7

A foundation species (ecosystem engineer) substantially alters the physical properties of its environment.

Front 8

What is the role of a keystone species?

Back 8

Keystone species increases species number by its feeding behavior or by habitat modification.

Keystone species are also predation of strong competitor species.

Front 9

How do foundation species affect the distribution of other species?

Back 9

Foundation species' activities significantly transform the physical habitat.

Examples:
transfer nutrients from water to land (bears, fish)
create aquatic habitat (beavers)
create network tunnel
create savannah (elephants)

Front 10

What is ecological succession?

Back 10

Ecological succession is the process of predictable vegetation change in a community over time. Ecological succession can be induced by--

species change
physical changes (moisture, sunlight, etc.)
chemical changes (pH, mineral content)

Front 11

What is primary succession?

Back 11

Primary succession begins in a lifeless or nearly lifeless environment without soil.

Front 12

What kinds of communities does primary succession occur in?

Back 12

Primary succession occurs in communities that have lost soil.

Front 13

When does secondary succession occur?

Back 13

Secondary succession occurs after a disturbance leaves the soil intact.