Lesson+Quiz+Week+8

=Distance Learning Quiz - Week 8= Below is what you submitted to dl@pisgahforestinstitute.org on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 19:12:35


 * Topic:** Ecology
 * Subtopic:** Ecosystems, Forest Ecology, Appalachian Forests
 * Name:** Kim Collazo
 * E-mail:** kscollazo@gmail.com
 * Question 1:** Biological communities are made up of different species of organisms that interact with each other. Ecosystems are communities of interacting species together with the physical environments in which they occur.
 * Question 2 :** The two main characteristics that help determine the nature of various biomes are temperature and rainfall. The colder the climate the fewer biomes there are (ie. polar, tundra, boreal forest). The warmer the climate, the more influential rainfall is in characterizing numerous biomes.
 * Question 3:** Lotic systems are unidirectional, linear in form, and have a fluctuating discharge of water. They hold more gases, and because they are in constant motion, nutrients are constantly entering and leaving. Organisms that live in lotic systems are usually bottom-dwellers or strong swimmers. Lentic systems have low flow and are usually circular in form. They maintain a constant water level, and because there is little movement, nutrients tend to congregate at the lower level, while the upper level is rich in oxygen.
 * Question 4:** Natural communities of Pine-Oak forest are often converted into managed pine forests that are dominated by fast-growing Loblolly Pine. This pine is used often as our demands for lumber timber increase.
 * Question 5:** Hardwoods such as Oak and Hickory are better for making high-quality paper due to the low content of resin in their tissues and their short fibers.
 * Question 6:** Two common trees found in swamp forests are Cypresses and Tupelos due to their ability to live in standing water.
 * Question 7:** Two "indicator species" in the Appalachian Forests are the Carolina Silverbell and White Basswood. As indicator species, they alert you to the type of community you have ventured into.
 * Question 8:** The complex mountain topography of the Appalachian Mountains leads to a high amount of biodiversity. The various ridges, coves, and water systems like rivers allow for a large variety of organisms living in close proximity to each other. In addition, this area has maintained a stable environment for a long period of time allowing for high levels of biodiversity. And finally, the abundant rainfall in this area contributes as well.
 * Question 9:** Most of the living soil organisms can be found in the O and A horizons (leaf litter and topsoil).
 * Question 10:** The Appalachian Cove Forest is the most diverse type of forest found in North America.

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