Chapter 29: Problem 4

Name three characteristics that might make a species more susceptible to extinction.

Short Answer

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Answer: Three characteristics that might make a species more susceptible to extinction are: 1) Small population size, 2) Specialized niche, and 3) Poor reproductive rates.

Step by step solution

Characteristic 1: Small Population Size

A species with a small population size is more susceptible to extinction because random events or fluctuations in their environment can lead to a rapid decline in their numbers. The smaller the population, the less genetic diversity they have, making them more vulnerable to disease or other factors that might wipe out a significant portion of their population.

Characteristic 2: Specialized Niche

A species with a specialized niche is more likely to become extinct because they rely on specific resources or habitats for their survival. If these resources or habitats are threatened or change significantly, the specialized species may not be able to adapt quickly enough and could face extinction. Examples might be a species that relies on a specific type of food source or lives in a unique habitat, like an island ecosystem.

Characteristic 3: Poor Reproductive Rates

A species with a low reproductive rate or slow maturity process may be more susceptible to extinction. If a species produces only a few offspring per breeding cycle, it is more difficult for them to recover from population declines due to predation, disease, or human-related impacts. Examples might be large mammals like elephants or whales, which typically take several years to reach maturity and reproduce.

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Name three characteristics that might make a species more susceptible to extinction.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Characteristic 1: Small Population Size

Characteristic 2: Specialized Niche

Characteristic 3: Poor Reproductive Rates

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