Question 1

In the study of Oregon intertidal communities, little brown barnacles (Chthamalus dalii) are first to colonize disturbed areas. Over time, the acorn barnacle (Balanus glandula) dominates the community. Which mechanism of succession explains the relationship between the two species of barnacles?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition is the mechanism that explains the relationship between the two species of barnacles. Initially, the little brown barnacles colonize the area, but as the acorn barnacle arrives, it outcompetes the little brown barnacles for space and resources, eventually dominating the community. This process is characterized by one species inhibiting the growth or survival of another through competition or other means, which aligns with the concept of inhibition in ecological succession.

Question 2

Some of the first species to colonize an area following disturbance have to persevere under inhospitable conditions such as disturbed soils, low soil moisture, and altered nutrient levels. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

The ability of certain species to tolerate adverse conditions and persist in disturbed areas is known as tolerance. This trait allows these species to establish themselves in areas where competition is reduced, and then they may later be replaced by more competitive, shade tolerant species.

Question 3

Electrical companies have discovered that dense shrub thickets, once established, can prevent growth of trees under power lines. Which mechanism of succession are these companies using by planting shrubs under power lines?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition is the mechanism of succession where one species prevents the growth of another species. In this case, the dense shrub thickets planted by electrical companies prevent the growth of trees under power lines.

Question 4

Experimental removal of a single species in succession would

Accepted Answer

Experimental removal of a single species in succession can determine whether that species facilitated the growth of a later-successional species by observing the changes in the community dynamics.

Question 5

When considering the effect of one species on the probability of a second species becoming established, facilitation is _____, inhibition is _____, and tolerance is _____.

Accepted Answer

Facilitation has a positive effect on the probability of a second species becoming established, inhibition has a negative effect, and tolerance has a neutral effect. Therefore, the best choice is C, which correctly matches facilitation with a positive effect, inhibition with a negative effect, and tolerance with a neutral effect.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT an example of inhibition?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition refers to a process where one species limits the growth or survival of another species. A, B, and C refer to scenarios where one species is suppressing the growth of other species. On the other hand, D is an example of facilitation or a positive interaction, where one species benefits another species.

Question 7

Suppose two species of trees are able to colonize an area disturbed by fire. One species typically grows to 5 meters, while the other species tends to stay under 2 meters in height. The two species have seeds of the same shape that are relatively light. Which one is more likely to colonize the disturbed area and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suppose two species of trees are able...

Question 8

Legumes contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots that increase soil nitrogen for use by other species. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

The presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume roots facilitates the growth of other species in the soil by increasing the availability of nitrogen.

Question 9

Which mechanism of succession is independent of the presence or absence of other species?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance is a mechanism of succession where certain species are able to establish and grow in an area regardless of the presence or absence of other species. These species are usually able to survive in harsh conditions such as lack of nutrients, extreme temperatures, or other environmental stresses without the help of other species.

Question 10

If a legume inhibits the growth of other plants around it by using noxious chemicals,

Accepted Answer

Legumes are able to fix nitrogen in the soil through their symbiotic relationship with bacteria. The chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants are released by the legume's roots and are known as allelochemicals. While these chemicals may limit the growth of other plants, they do not harm the legume itself. In fact, the nitrogen fixation by the legume and its bacteria can actually increase the amount of nitrogen in the soil over time, making it a beneficial addition to the ecosystem.

Question 11

Which mechanisms of succession depend on one species arriving at a site before another species?

Accepted Answer

Facilitation is when one species improves the conditions for subsequent species to establish and grow, while inhibition is when one species prevents the establishment and growth of other species. In this case, both mechanisms rely on the arrival of a species before others. However, tolerance is when species with similar resource requirements can coexist without affecting each other, and it does not necessarily depend on arrival order. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Question 12

A mechanism of succession in which the presence of one species increases the probability that a second species can become established is

Accepted Answer

Facilitation is a mechanism of succession in which the presence of one species facilitates the establishment of another species by modifying the environment in a positive way. Therefore, the presence of the first species increases the probability that the second species can become established.

Question 13

(Figure 19.14) In the experiment associated with the figure, acorn barnacles facilitate the growth of algae. If you removed both acorn barnacles and the limpet predators of algae, what would you be likely to observe over time?

Accepted Answer

The answer of  (Figure 19.14) In the experiment associated...

Question 14

_____ is a mechanism of succession in which the probability that a species can establish itself depends on its dispersal ability and its ability to persist under the physical conditions of the environment.

Accepted Answer

The mechanism described in the question is tolerance, where the ability of a species to establish itself is based on its ability to tolerate the physical conditions of the environment, as well as its dispersal ability. Facilitation involves one species promoting the establishment of another, while inhibition is when one species prevents the establishment of another. Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbance.

Question 15

Why is tolerance a mechanism that can be found in both early and late seral stages?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance is a mechanism that enables plants to thrive in stressful or limiting environments. Early seral species need to be tolerant of harsh environmental conditions such as drought or poor soil nutrients, while late seral species need to be tolerant of deep shade and competition for resources. Therefore, tolerance is important for both early and late seral stages, albeit for different reasons. Options A and B are incorrect because tolerance is not necessarily related to moisture or temperature, respectively. Option D is also incorrect because both early and late seral species may face different types of disturbances, and not all early seral species are tolerant to insects, nor are all late seral species tolerant to fire.

Question 16

Inhibition is a mechanism of succession in which

Accepted Answer

Inhibition is a mechanism of succession where one species decreases the probability that a second species will become established. This can occur through competition or other interactions between the two species.

Question 17

In the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, young saguaro cacti often begin life in the shade of mesquite trees; they usually die if they begin life in out in the open. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an example of facilitation, where one species (mesquite trees) provide a suitable environment for another species (saguaro cacti) to establish and grow. The shade provided by mesquite trees protects the young saguaro cacti from the harsh desert conditions and increases their survival rate.

Question 18

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a common invasive species in the eastern United States. One mechanism that allows it to dominate in some areas is the production of chemicals that interfere with the ability of other plants to gain nutrients through mutualistic fungi. This mechanism is an example of

Accepted Answer

The production of chemicals that interfere with the ability of other plants to gain nutrients is an example of inhibition, as it inhibits the growth and success of other plant species in the area.

Question 19

Plants _____ should be used for initial seeding of abandoned strip mines.

Accepted Answer

Plants with long seed viability are ideal for initial seeding of abandoned strip mines because they can remain dormant until conditions are favorable for germination, ensuring successful establishment over time.

Question 20

The priority effect occurs when the

Accepted Answer

The answer of The priority effect occurs when the
...

Quiz 19: Community Succession