Ecology B/C

[paleonaps]

Okay, I guess my memory isn't as good as I thought it was. You're right.

[Flavorflav]

Technically, there never is just one keystone species in an area. If you remove the arctic fox, caribou levels increase to high levels, plants get devoured quickly, and everything starves. If caribou are removed, then predators starve and plants grow out of control. Plants get removed, everything starves. So there are multiple keystone species in every sort of habitat.

Note: I'm no expert on the tundra, and so my examples are hypothetical. I assume that's similar to how things really play out, but I don't know the exact dynamics of the tundra. It's the same basic idea though.

I have a hard time imagining a 7 lb fox being an important predator of 250 lb caribou, but if you substitute lemmings for the latter then I'm with you.

[HannahD413]

I have a hard time imagining a 7 lb fox being an important predator of 250 lb caribou, but if you substitute lemmings for the latter then I'm with you.

The predators of caribou are wolves and grizzly bears. It is possible that fox could prey on calves and young ones though, I don't know if it actually happens, but I guess it could.

[gneissisnice]

Technically, there never is just one keystone species in an area. If you remove the arctic fox, caribou levels increase to high levels, plants get devoured quickly, and everything starves. If caribou are removed, then predators starve and plants grow out of control. Plants get removed, everything starves. So there are multiple keystone species in every sort of habitat.

Note: I'm no expert on the tundra, and so my examples are hypothetical. I assume that's similar to how things really play out, but I don't know the exact dynamics of the tundra. It's the same basic idea though.

I have a hard time imagining a 7 lb fox being an important predator of 250 lb caribou, but if you substitute lemmings for the latter then I'm with you.

Hehe, well, you get the point. Replace caribou with lemming, or arctic fox with...whatever it is that eats caribou.

[paleonaps]

Arctic Fox or (less commonly, I assume) polar bear.

[Flavorflav]

Arctic Fox or (less commonly, I assume) polar bear.

Ah, no. That was kind of my point. Polar bears, yes, occasionally, although their paths do not often intersect. As Hannahd413 just said, wolves and grizzlies are most important for adults. For juveniles, golden eagles and wolverines are also important.

[paleonaps]

Did I really write that? I meant arctic wolf!

[Vizard007]

Hey guys, I was wondering, do the CDs on soinc really help with the studying for the tests? Because they claim to be for this years event, but as I was reading the ecology one (under bio-earth science CD) I noticed this: "In order for the children to better understand the nature of the forest we will go the two representative areas, the hemlock forest and the deciduous forest in East Rock Park. A variety of activities will be undertaken there, leaf collecting, insect hunts, bird-watching, and soil sampling. These are described in the Activity section.' So, I'm starting to wonder if the CD is a good resource or not... Any suggestions from the more experienced? Thanks.

[rooroo17]

I am having a hard time getting into a habit of studying this topic. I am thouroughly interested, but I just cant sit down and work for awhile . Does anyone have some good study habit ideas


LUVLLES!!!!

[honeybunchesofoats]

Hey, question.. Are there annuals or perennials in the tundra? I'm a bit confused by that. My sources are kind of conflicted.

rooroo17: If you can't sit down, study in sections I guess. For me, I took studying a bit slowly, one or two chapters a day. (: