Deck 19: Systems Ecology

Question 1

Compared to a manufactured system, outline how biological systems differ.

Answer 1

1. It is evolved, not designed.
2. Not all parts of it are essential (or even have a purpose).
3. The system may never function at optimum in any environment or condition.

Question 2

A trait that is characteristic of the system as a whole but is not observable in any one part is a(n)________ property.

A)established
B)crucial
C)emergent
D)inconspicuous

Answer 2

C

Question 3

The science of system regulation is called

A)cybernetics.
B)ecology.
C)intelligent design.
D)industrialisation.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

________ is the ability of a system to remain the same when confronted with a disturbance.

A)Resistance
B)Resilience
C)Reliance
D)Relativity

Question 5

Define the diversity-stability hypothesis and the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF)hypothesis.

Question 6

The tendency to return to a particular trajectory is known as

A)homeorhesis.
B)homeostasis.
C)resistance.
D)dynamic equilibrium.

Question 7

The species diversity in a given ecosystem is known as ________ diversity.

A)genetic
B)regional
C)beta
D)alpha

Question 8

Total species diversity, or species richness, of individual communities is referred to as ________ diversity.

Question 9

A set of interrelated parts that work together to perform a function within an environment is a

A)habitat.
B)community.
C)system.
D)metapopulation.

Question 10

Define the concepts of dynamic equilibrium and pulsing states as they apply to ecosystems.

Question 11

Explain how positive feedback can result in a negative outcome.

Question 12

Compare and contrast resistance and resilience.

Question 13

________ is the ability of a system to re-establish its former state after a disturbance.

A)Resistance
B)Resilience
C)Reliance
D)Relativity

Question 14

The tendency to return to a particular state is known as

A)homeorhesis.
B)homeostasis.
C)resistance.
D)pulsing states.

Question 15

Briefly explain the difference in above and below ground plant competition.

Question 16

In all experimental studies to date, the effect of increasing nutrient availability to plants has been to ________ plant diversity.

Question 17

Outline the three levels of diversity considered in the modern concept of biodiversity.

Question 18

Define what is meant by an alternative stable state.

Question 19

When the output of one system component becomes the input for the same or other system component, it is said to function as a(n)

A)energy source.
B)closed system.
C)substrate.
D)feedback.

Question 20

Explain why the ecosystem can be considered the basic unit of nature.

Question 21

An ecosystem that can remain viable as it shifts to a new stable state is considered to be

A)resistant.
B)resilient.
C)persistent.
D)degraded.

Question 22

A key element in BEF is that diversity drives ecosystem function.

Question 23

The BEF hypothesis is depicted by which of the following equations?

A)S = ƒ( S,A,ɛ)
B)F = ƒ( S,A,ɛ)
C)F = ƒ( F,A,ɛ)
D)A = ƒ( S,F,ɛ)

Question 24

Ecosystem ecology identifies each ecosystem as discrete entities with defined barriers.

Question 25

Tilman found that monocultures always out-performed mixed communities.

Question 26

Increasing nutrient availability tends to ________ plant diversity in a community.

A)not affect
B)decrease
C)increase
D)increase the first year but thereafter decrease

Question 27

When nutrient availability increases within a plant community, diversity usually increases.

Question 28

Stress thresholds that, once surpassed, shift an ecosystem into an alternative stable state are known as

A)critical variables.
B)essential nutrients.
C)tipping points.
D)tolerance limits.

Question 29

The concept that ecosystems optimize resource use, when more species in many niche dimensions exist together, is known as

A)BEF.
B)rivet model.
C)diversity-stability hypothesis.
D)niche complementarity.

Question 30

According to Gaia supporters, the critical components of system function for the planet are located in the

A)atmosphere.
B)oceans.
C)plant life.
D)soil.

Question 31

Generally ________ limits productivity.

A)number of primary producers
B)number of predators
C)resource availability
D)interspecific competition

Question 32

David Tilman's study on grassland communities showed that productivity and biomass ________ with increased species richness.

A)increased
B)decreased
C)remained stable
D)followed no trend

Question 33

Competition for below ground resources is considered to be asymmetric because larger plants have a disproportionate advantage in competition for those resources.

Question 34

Regional diversity is also known as beta diversity.

Question 35

Positive feedback can have a negative outcome.

Question 36

Ecosystems are open systems requiring input from outside sources.

Question 37

A large, artificial system used for experimental purposes is a

A)microcosm.
B)mesocosm.
C)macrocosm.
D)megacosm.

Question 38

It is observed that smaller plants do much poorer and grow less in ecosystems dominated by larger plants. This is due to

A)size asymmetric competition.
B)size symmetric competition.
C)the paradox of productivity.
D)nutrient limitation.

Question 39

Ecosystem ecologists prefer to view each species individually rather than place them into functional groups.

Question 40

The concept that the entire biosphere is one superorganism is called

A)Lovelock's theorem.
B)the Gaia hypothesis.
C)Hishuk ish hypothesis.
D)the brown belt hypothesis.

Question 41

Explain the Gaia hypothesis in the context of cybernetics.

Question 42

Define positive and negative feedback. Using examples, explain how these function in an ecosystem

Question 43

Explain the ecosystem concept. How is it different from population ecology?

Question 44

Answer: See Figure 19.6
Type: ES
Topic: Section 19.4
Explain how diversity and ecosystem function can be related to each other through:
1. functional redundancy, 2. singularity, and 3. keystone concept.

Question 45

Explain how functional redundancy is a good thing in an ecosystem.

Question 46

Studying ecosystems on a macrocosm scale is more accurate than microcosm-based research.

Question 47

Describe the response that plant communities typically exhibit when nutrients are added, and summarize the prevailing hypothesis to explain this response.

Question 48

Ecosystem size may be more critical than productivity in determining diversity in lakes.

Question 49

Explain resilience and resistance with regard to ecosystem function. Explain the implications if a system enters into an alternative stable state.

Question 50

What is the link between diversity and stability?