A Land Developer Is Arguing with a Group of Ecologists

question 10

Multiple Choice

A land developer is arguing with a group of ecologists.Of course the land developer wants the most land possible for building houses,but has to compromise by saving some land for animal habitat.The land developer offers 20 hectares in evenly distributed but isolated 1-hectare portions.The ecologists keep arguing for one 20 hectare area to remain intact.Why are the ecologists making this proposal?

• A)There really is no difference;they should both work equally well.
• B)The isolated hectare plots are better because they spread out the habitat.
• C)The isolated plots are more vulnerable to edge effects.
• D)The large plot will create more inbreeding in many species.

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Definitions:

Autotroph

Organism that can capture energy and synthesize organic molecules from inorganic nutrients.

Biotic Factors

Components of an ecosystem that are living, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.