[Campbell Biology P.1237] The flowchart in Concept 52.4, which illustrates factors limiting s... | Practice Question

The flowchart in Concept 52.4, which illustrates factors limiting species distribution, primarily serves what purpose for ecologists?

  • A: To outline a hierarchical approach ecologists use to determine why a species occurs where it does or does not.
  • B: To show that abiotic factors are always the ultimate limit to species distribution.
  • C: To highlight the relative importance of dispersal compared to biotic and abiotic factors.
  • D: To illustrate all possible factors that can influence species distribution in any environment.

Explanation

The flowchart in Concept 52.4, titled 'Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of species', guides an ecologist through a series of questions Does dispersal limit it? Do biotic factors limit it? Do abiotic factors limit it? to logically deduce the reasons behind a species' distribution. This represents a hierarchical problem-solving approach.