GAP Ecosystem Restoration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In GAP-certified operations, which measurement best indicates successful prairie restoration?
- Presence of at least one native grass species
- High native plant species richness and low invasive cover (Correct answer)
- Maximum above-ground biomass regardless of species
- Absence of all insect activity
Correct answer: High native plant species richness and low invasive cover
Species richness of native plants combined with low invasive cover signals a functionally diverse, self-sustaining prairie ecosystem.
Question 2: What role do mycorrhizal fungi play in agricultural ecosystem restoration?
- They compete with plants for water and nutrients
- They form root partnerships that enhance plant nutrient uptake and drought tolerance (Correct answer)
- They decompose crop residues into toxins
- They are parasites that reduce plant vigor
Correct answer: They form root partnerships that enhance plant nutrient uptake and drought tolerance
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with plant roots, dramatically expanding their effective root surface area and improving uptake of phosphorus and water.
Question 3: Which factor is MOST critical when selecting native plants for a restoration project on a US farm?
- Selecting plants native to any US state
- Choosing local ecotype seed sourced within the same ecoregion (Correct answer)
- Using ornamental cultivars for aesthetic appeal
- Prioritizing fast-growing exotic species for quick cover
Correct answer: Choosing local ecotype seed sourced within the same ecoregion
Local ecotype seeds are genetically adapted to the specific climate, soils, and seasonal cues of the region, giving restoration plantings the best chance of long-term survival.
Question 4: What does the term 'ecological connectivity' mean for farm-based restoration?
- Connecting irrigation systems across fields
- Linking restored habitat patches so wildlife can move between them (Correct answer)
- Installing electric fencing around restored areas
- Networking soil sensors across a farm
Correct answer: Linking restored habitat patches so wildlife can move between them
Ecological connectivity links restored habitat corridors so wildlife populations can disperse, feed, and breed across a fragmented agricultural landscape.
Question 5: According to GAP guidelines, which land area is considered highest priority for riparian restoration?
- Fields farther than 500 feet from any water body
- Land immediately adjacent to streams, rivers, or wetlands (Correct answer)
- Upland dryland crop areas
- Paved farm roads near water
Correct answer: Land immediately adjacent to streams, rivers, or wetlands
Areas directly bordering waterways have the greatest potential to protect water quality through filtration, bank stabilization, and shade that moderates stream temperature.
Question 6: What is a keystone species in the context of farm ecosystem restoration?
- The most abundant species in a restored area
- A species whose removal would cause disproportionate ecosystem collapse (Correct answer)
- Any plant used as a visual marker in restoration plots
- The first species to colonize disturbed soil
Correct answer: A species whose removal would cause disproportionate ecosystem collapse
Keystone species have outsized ecological influence relative to their abundance; their presence holds community structure together.
Question 7: How does integrating hedgerows into a GAP farm plan support ecosystem restoration?
- They reduce farm biodiversity by blocking species movement
- They provide wildlife corridors, nesting sites, and wind protection (Correct answer)
- They increase soil compaction along field edges
- They promote invasive species establishment
Correct answer: They provide wildlife corridors, nesting sites, and wind protection
Hedgerows serve as linear habitat corridors connecting ecosystem patches while offering nesting, foraging, and shelter resources for birds, mammals, and beneficial insects.
GAP Ecosystem Restoration 3
In GAP-certified operations, which measurement best indicates successful prairie restoration?