Environmental Change Quick Check

1. Which of the following species would have the greatest chance of going extinct?
*a species with a slow reproduction rate and very little genetic variation living in a changing environment

2. Which of the following is believed to be common among all mass extinction events?
*a significant change in the global climate

3. Imagine two populations of penguins live in the same ecosystem. One population begins to exchange stones as a mating ritual while the other population begins to dance by shifting from one foot to the other. Individuals from each population will only mate with individuals that display the appropriate mating ritual. Which type of reproductive isolation mechanism does this scenario describe?
*Behavioral Isolation

4. Human-created climate change is caused by
*increased carbon dioxide in the air.

5. Imagine the environment of an ecosystem changes such that it floods more often. Which species would most likely increase in numbers in this new environment?
*a tree species that is tolerant of excess water

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1. To determine which species has the greatest chance of going extinct, we need to consider the factors of reproduction rate and genetic variation in relation to a changing environment. A species with a slow reproduction rate means that its population grows slowly, which may make it more vulnerable to environmental changes. Additionally, if this species has very little genetic variation, it may not possess the genetic diversity necessary to adapt to rapid environmental changes. Based on these factors, a species with a slow reproduction rate and very little genetic variation would have the greatest chance of going extinct in a changing environment.

2. Mass extinction events are characterized by a significant change in the global climate. Such changes in climate can disrupt ecosystems, alter habitats, and impact the survival of various species across the globe. Throughout history, mass extinctions have been linked to events like volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, and changes in atmospheric composition, all of which can cause dramatic shifts in global climate patterns.

3. The scenario described involves two populations of penguins in the same ecosystem, with each population developing distinct mating rituals. Individuals from each population only mate with individuals that display the appropriate ritual. This mechanism of reproductive isolation is known as behavioral isolation. Behavioral isolation occurs when individuals from different populations have different behaviors or rituals that prevent them from mating with each other. In this case, the exchange of stones and the dance movements represent unique behaviors that create a barrier to interbreeding between the two penguin populations.

4. Human-created climate change is primarily caused by increased carbon dioxide in the air. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Additionally, deforestation and land-use changes also contribute to increased CO2 levels. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. The accumulation of CO2 due to human activities is a major factor driving the current climate change crisis.

5. In an ecosystem where flooding occurs more frequently, the species that would most likely increase in numbers are those that are tolerant of excess water. Flooding can create habitats that are suitable for certain species while posing challenges for others. In this specific case, a tree species that is adapted and tolerant of excess water would have an advantage in such a flood-prone environment. These tree species likely have adaptations, such as specialized root systems or flood-resistant characteristics, that enable them to survive and thrive in wet conditions. As a result, their population may increase in numbers compared to species that are less capable of coping with increased flooding.