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CH 5 Question Environmental Science & Society IB

The premature extinction of southern sea otters would negatively impact other species that depend on them as a keystone species. To help prevent this, people should understand their ecological importance, avoid buying fur from wild animals, and protect their habitat. According to the second law of thermodynamics, predators are generally less abundant than prey because energy is lost at each trophic level as it is transferred between species. Species with high reproductive potential, like bacteria and flies, tend to have small offspring requiring little care, allowing for larger numbers and higher chances of survival through random chance. In contrast, species with low reproductive potential, like humans and elephants, invest more in fewer, larger offspring that require more parental investment for higher survival rates. Pest species

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33 views2 pages

CH 5 Question Environmental Science & Society IB

The premature extinction of southern sea otters would negatively impact other species that depend on them as a keystone species. To help prevent this, people should understand their ecological importance, avoid buying fur from wild animals, and protect their habitat. According to the second law of thermodynamics, predators are generally less abundant than prey because energy is lost at each trophic level as it is transferred between species. Species with high reproductive potential, like bacteria and flies, tend to have small offspring requiring little care, allowing for larger numbers and higher chances of survival through random chance. In contrast, species with low reproductive potential, like humans and elephants, invest more in fewer, larger offspring that require more parental investment for higher survival rates. Pest species

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nickole gamez
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

What difference would it make if the southern sea otter became prematurely extinct
because of human activities? What are three things we could do to help prevent the
premature extinction of this species?

- The sea otter is a keystone species. If it were to become extinct, other species
that depend on it would also be affected. First of all, people should know the
importance its niche. Second, people should avoid wearing fur from wild
animals in order to have a more sustainable lifestyle. Third, people must
protect the environment where the sea otter lives.

2. Use the second law of thermodynamics (p. 43) to explain why predators are generally
less abundant than their prey.

- According to the second law of thermodynamics, there is always waste when


converting energy. Because when the predator eats the prey there is a
conversion of energy, and there is a loss of energy. As the trophic level
increases, the amount of energy decreases because some heat is always lost.
Therefore, predators are generally less abundant than their prey.

3. Explain why most species with a high capacity for population growth (high biotic
potential) tend to have small individuals (such as bacteria and flies) while those with a
low capacity for population growth tend to have large individuals (such as humans,
elephants, and whales).

- These are all strategies developed over time to maximize the chance of
offspring surviving, parents tend to produce a group of small offspring or few
large offspring. The smaller offspring require less parental care and, due to the
large numbers, still have a chance of surviving by chance. Larger young
generally require parental care, and because they are few in number, they are
more thoroughly protected by their parents so that they can survive.

4. L

5. Why are pest species likely to be extreme examples of r-selected species? Why are
many endangered species likely to be extreme examples of K-selected species?

- Pest species are likely to be r-selected species because they are small and have
a short life span. They also have a high population growth rate. Endangered
species are likely to be K-selected species because they produce fewer
offspring and breed less frequently. They also have a later reproductive age
and a low population growth rate.

6. Given current environmental conditions, if you had a choice, would you rather be an
r-strategist or a K-strategist? Explain your answer.

- I'd rather be an R-strategist of sorts than a K-strategist of sorts. they will


simply because of probability. K-strategists, on the other hand, do not produce
enough offspring quickly enough to ensure the survival of their next
generation if the few offspring they do produce are killed by their
environment.

7. -

8. How would you reply to someone who argues that we should not worry about our
effects on natural systems because natural succession will heal the wounds of human
activities and restore the balance of nature?

- First of all, it takes a long time for the environment to recover from all the
damage caused by humans. When it is recovering, there are not many
resources produced by the earth for constant use by humans. Furthermore,
damage to the environment also affects other species and possibly leads to
their extinction. Once biodiversity declines, more species will be affected and
the entire environment may also change due to the loss of some key species

1. What was the approximate carrying capacity of the penguin population on the island
from 1960 to 1975?
- 5700.

2. What is the percentage decline in the penguin population from 1975 to 1999?
- Difference = 5700 - 2800 = 2900
- % Change = Difference / Total = 2900/5700 = 0.50877193 = 50.8977193 %

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