Question

1. distinguish between tolerance range and optimal range. k/u
2. list three abiotic factors important to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. explain your choices. k/u
3. how do human actions increase the carrying capacity of some ecosystems? k/u
4. give some examples of each of the following: predation, competition, mutualism, parasitism, commensalism. k/u
5. before reading this section, which types of species - species interactions were you already familiar with? c
6. what species - species relationship or example did you find the most interesting or unusual? c

Explanation:

1. Tolerance range is the range of environmental conditions a species can endure, while optimal range is the narrow set of conditions where it thrives best.
2. Three important abiotic factors are sunlight, temperature, and water. Sunlight is needed for photosynthesis in both ecosystems. Temperature affects metabolic rates. Water is essential for life - forms in both land and water.
3. Human actions like irrigation, fertilization, and pest - control can increase the carrying capacity of some ecosystems by providing more resources and reducing limiting factors.
4. Predation: Lion preying on a zebra. Competition: Two species of birds competing for the same nesting sites. Mutualism: Bees and flowers (bees get nectar, flowers get pollinated). Parasitism: Tapeworm living in a human intestine. Commensalism: Barnacles on a whale (barnacles get a place to live, whale is unaffected).
5. Answers will vary based on individual knowledge. Common ones might include predation and competition.
6. Answers will vary based on individual perception. Some might find mutualistic relationships like cleaner - fish and larger fish (cleaner - fish clean the larger fish, getting food in return) interesting.

Answer:

1. Tolerance range is the span of environmental conditions a species can withstand; optimal range is where it functions best.
2. Sunlight: needed for photosynthesis. Temperature: affects metabolic rates. Water: essential for life.
3. Through irrigation, fertilization, pest - control etc.
4. Predation: Lion - zebra. Competition: Birds for nesting sites. Mutualism: Bees - flowers. Parasitism: Tapeworm - human. Commensalism: Barnacles - whale.
5. Varies by individual.
6. Varies by individual.