Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now!
Science
Biology
The Komodo Dragon (of the monitor lizard family) lives on three Indonesian islands and is the top predator (other than humans) in these remote areas. Why might an ecologist find the structure of the food web on these islands to be very different than surrounding island ecosystems where mammals are the top predators and what differences might the ecologist find? Explain.

The Komodo Dragon (of the monitor lizard family) lives on three Indonesian islands and is the top predator (other than humans) in these remote areas. Why might an ecologist find the structure of the food web on these islands to be very different than surrounding island ecosystems where mammals are the top predators and what differences might the ecologist find? Explain.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
See similar textbooks
icon
Related questions
Question
### Ecological and Environmental Science Questions #### Question 2 **Topic: Unique Food Web Structures with Komodo Dragons** The Komodo Dragon (of the monitor lizard family) lives on three Indonesian islands and is the top predator (other than humans) in these remote areas. Why might an ecologist find the structure of the food web on these islands to be very different than surrounding island ecosystems where mammals are the top predators, and what differences might the ecologist find? Explain. **Answer:** The Komodo Dragon, as a top predator in its ecosystem, significantly influences the food web structure on the Indonesian islands it inhabits. Unlike ecosystems where mammals dominate as top predators, the presence of a reptilian top predator like the Komodo Dragon introduces unique dynamics. An ecologist might observe several key differences: - **Predatory Behavior and Diet:** Komodo Dragons have different hunting strategies and dietary needs compared to mammalian predators, which could affect the population and behavior of prey species differently. - **Prey Species Distribution:** The types and numbers of prey species may vary, as certain animals that are vulnerable to mammalian predators might be less affected by a reptilian predator, or vice versa. - **Ecosystem Balance:** The absence of large mammalian predators may allow for a greater abundance or diversity of certain species (e.g., small mammals or birds) that might otherwise be controlled by mammalian predation. - **Evolutionary Adaptations:** Prey species on these islands might develop different adaptations and behaviors in response to the predation pressures exerted by Komodo Dragons. #### Question 3 **Topic: Fossil Fuel Industry Claims About Climate Change** Many people in the fossil fuel industry claim that climate change is either a hoax or overblown. Their reasoning seems to be that excess CO₂ in the atmosphere will be "plant food" and increase plant growth to offset climate change consequences. Would you agree? Explain. **Answer:** The claim that excess CO₂ will act as "plant food" and mitigate climate change consequences is misleading and oversimplified. While it's true that CO₂ is a critical component of photosynthesis and can stimulate plant growth under certain conditions, there are multiple factors to consider: - **Nutrient Availability:** Plants require more than CO₂ for growth, including nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Without sufficient nutrients, increased CO₂ alone cannot sustain enhanced plant growth. - **Water and Temperature Stress:** Climate change can
Transcribed Image Text:### Ecological and Environmental Science Questions #### Question 2 **Topic: Unique Food Web Structures with Komodo Dragons** The Komodo Dragon (of the monitor lizard family) lives on three Indonesian islands and is the top predator (other than humans) in these remote areas. Why might an ecologist find the structure of the food web on these islands to be very different than surrounding island ecosystems where mammals are the top predators, and what differences might the ecologist find? Explain. **Answer:** The Komodo Dragon, as a top predator in its ecosystem, significantly influences the food web structure on the Indonesian islands it inhabits. Unlike ecosystems where mammals dominate as top predators, the presence of a reptilian top predator like the Komodo Dragon introduces unique dynamics. An ecologist might observe several key differences: - **Predatory Behavior and Diet:** Komodo Dragons have different hunting strategies and dietary needs compared to mammalian predators, which could affect the population and behavior of prey species differently. - **Prey Species Distribution:** The types and numbers of prey species may vary, as certain animals that are vulnerable to mammalian predators might be less affected by a reptilian predator, or vice versa. - **Ecosystem Balance:** The absence of large mammalian predators may allow for a greater abundance or diversity of certain species (e.g., small mammals or birds) that might otherwise be controlled by mammalian predation. - **Evolutionary Adaptations:** Prey species on these islands might develop different adaptations and behaviors in response to the predation pressures exerted by Komodo Dragons. #### Question 3 **Topic: Fossil Fuel Industry Claims About Climate Change** Many people in the fossil fuel industry claim that climate change is either a hoax or overblown. Their reasoning seems to be that excess CO₂ in the atmosphere will be "plant food" and increase plant growth to offset climate change consequences. Would you agree? Explain. **Answer:** The claim that excess CO₂ will act as "plant food" and mitigate climate change consequences is misleading and oversimplified. While it's true that CO₂ is a critical component of photosynthesis and can stimulate plant growth under certain conditions, there are multiple factors to consider: - **Nutrient Availability:** Plants require more than CO₂ for growth, including nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Without sufficient nutrients, increased CO₂ alone cannot sustain enhanced plant growth. - **Water and Temperature Stress:** Climate change can
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

SEE SOLUTIONCheck out a sample Q&A here
Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Marine ecosystem
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780815344322
Author:
Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781260159363
Author:
Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9781260231700
Author:
Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:
McGraw Hill Education
SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS