Ecosystem (Habitable Plant) Lab

Rainforest

1. What is the function of the Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS)?

To study the rainforests of the world and to understand how they function and how they'll change in the future. 

2. Why are the trees given the title of "engineers" of the tropical rain forest?

They are called the "engineers" because they provide a habitat on which all other organisms (i.e. monkeys, ants, termites) depend.

3. Why does a high-density species suffer greater mortality rates than rare density species?

More common or high-density plants spread more seedling than rare density plants but are effected by pathogens and pests and therefore have a much higher mortality rate. 

4. Why do tropical rain forests have such immense diversity? How do they maintain their diversity?

Tropical rainforests are specialists in surviving in niche conditions. Trees germinate from dead trees; leaving a mosaic of trees and gaps. This promotes and maintains diversity. Some plants and insects have a symbiotic relationship which helps to promote diversity.

5. What role do tropical forests play in stabilizing the climate and atmosphere?

Trees in the rainforest help the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

Yellowstone National Park

1. What is the focus of Robert Crabtree's research project in Yellowstone National Park?

The focus is the cascading effects of when the top predator, the wolf, is removed then later returned to the park. 

2. What was the cascade effect of the elimination of the Park's wolf population after 1926? Consider the following in your answer: willow, beaver, and elk populations.

With the top predator removed, the elk population soared which in turn effected many other species. The elk ate much of the vegetation including willow making it sparse. The elk also fed on the vegetation in Lamar Valley which the beaver depended on. 

3. Food chains and webs can be shaped from the "top down" or from the "bottom up". Which of these two categories best describes the wolf reintroduction project of 1995 and 1996?

Since the wolf is the top predator, the shape would be from "top down".

4. What are the "hot spots" in Yellowstone and how are they important to the wolf reintroduction research project?

Hot spots are where the highest concentration of species, or biodiversity. They are important because the provide food and habitats. 

5. How can the data from a tropical rainforest that explains species diversity and abundance be helpful in managing and protecting temperate forests such as those in Yellowstone National Park or any other ecosystem on Earth?

The data can help scientists with managing and protecting other ecosystems. 

6. Sketch or represent in some way the pyramid of energy flow for willows, beavers, elk, and wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Label the percent of high quality energy that persists at every level.