All Flashcards
What determines if a species is a generalist or specialist?
Niche breadth, diet flexibility, location requirements, and tolerance range.
Why are generalist species more likely to survive in changing environments?
Their broad niche and adaptability allow them to utilize different resources and habitats.
Why are specialist species more vulnerable to environmental changes?
Their narrow niche and specific requirements make them highly sensitive to disruptions.
Explain the relationship between diet and species classification.
Generalists have flexible diets, while specialists have limited or specific diets.
How does location affect species classification?
Generalists can live in various locations, while specialists require specific habitats.
What is the significance of a species' tolerance range?
It determines how well a species can withstand environmental changes and disturbances.
What is the impact of deforestation on generalist and specialist species?
Deforestation reduces habitat and resources, favoring generalists while harming specialists.
Deforestation effects on specialists?
Habitat loss and reduced food sources lead to population decline.
Environmental change effects on generalists?
Increased competition, but higher survival rates due to adaptability.
Loss of bamboo effects on pandas?
Starvation and population decline due to their specialized diet.
Climate change effects on polar bears?
Melting sea ice reduces hunting grounds, leading to starvation.
Invasive species effects on specialists?
Competition for resources leads to decline in specialist populations.
Habitat fragmentation effects on specialists?
Reduced access to resources and mates, leading to genetic bottlenecks.
Pollution effects on sensitive species?
Decline in populations of species with low tolerance ranges.
Overhunting effects on specialist predators?
Disruption of food webs and decline in prey populations.
Introduction of new diseases effects on specialists?
Rapid population decline due to lack of immunity.
Loss of keystone species effects on the ecosystem?
Cascading effects leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem instability.
How does habitat destruction affect specialist species?
It reduces their specific resources and habitats, leading to population decline.
How does climate change affect specialist species?
Changes in temperature and precipitation can alter their specific habitat requirements, threatening their survival.
How does the introduction of invasive species affect native specialist species?
Invasive species compete for resources and can outcompete specialist species, leading to their decline.
How does pollution affect specialist species?
Pollution can contaminate their specific food sources and habitats, leading to health problems and population decline.
What is the effect of a natural disaster on specialist species?
Specialist species are severely affected by natural disasters because they cannot easily move to new biomes.