Natural World & Ecology Flashcards

Which of the following best describes a 'trophic cascade' in an aquatic ecosystem?

Answer: The indirect effects of apex predator removal on lower trophic levels and vegetation

A trophic cascade occurs when changes at the top predator level ripple down through prey and plant communities, altering overall ecosystem structure.

The Envision credit NW1.1 'Preserve Prime Habitat' is most focused on:

Answer: Minimizing land disturbance during construction to protect high-quality ecological areas

NW1.1 targets avoiding or minimizing disturbance to high-quality habitats, particularly those with rare species or ecological significance.

In landscape ecology, habitat 'connectivity' is important primarily because it:

Answer: Allows species to move between patches, supporting gene flow and recolonization

Connectivity enables wildlife movement among fragmented habitat patches, sustaining genetic diversity and allowing recolonization after local extinction events.

Which water quality parameter is most directly linked to eutrophication in freshwater systems receiving agricultural runoff?

Answer: Total phosphorus concentration

Excess phosphorus from fertilizer runoff is typically the limiting nutrient that triggers algal blooms and subsequent eutrophication in freshwater lakes and ponds.

The Envision framework credits that address 'Avoid Adverse Geology' are designed to:

Answer: Prevent destabilization of landforms that could trigger erosion, landslides, or habitat loss

These credits focus on avoiding construction activities that destabilize slopes, soils, or geological features in ways that damage natural systems and habitats.

An infrastructure team identifies a vernal pool within the project footprint. Vernal pools are ecologically significant primarily because they:

Answer: Support unique amphibian and invertebrate communities adapted to seasonal flooding and drying

Vernal pools host specialist species such as obligate amphibians and fairy shrimp that depend on the seasonal wet-dry cycle and the absence of fish predators.

According to Envision principles, which approach best demonstrates 'ecological net gain' for a linear infrastructure corridor?

Answer: Designing wildlife crossing structures and revegetating with native species to exceed pre-project habitat quality

Ecological net gain requires improvements that demonstrably exceed pre-project habitat quality and function, such as crossings that restore connectivity combined with native restoration.