BIOA02H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Experience Point, Trophic Cascade, Solar Irradiance

• School: UTSC
• Department: Biological Sciences
• Course: BIOA02H3
• Professor: Ivana Stehlik

Document Summary

Feral cat colonies have been introduced to many islands where they were not endemic. They are excellent hunters and often have large impact on endemic species (especially birds) Humans have often responded to loss of endemics by trying to kill off feral cat colonies. However, this has often led to increases in loss of local wildlife. Where feral cats have been introduced, often so have rats. Rats are preferred food for cats and rats compete with & prey on local wildlife. When reduce feral cat colonies, results in population explosion in rat communities, rats then outcompete/feed on local wildlife, leading to larger crashes than if feral cats were still present. Primary production limited by nutrient that"s least available. Insolation varies based on latitude: insolation: amt of solar radiation reaching given area. Insolation decreases w/ solar angle (poles = less insolation than equator) Primary production & biodiversity: biodiversity of region reflects primary (1 ) production.