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Ch. 56 - Conservation Biology and Global Change
Chapter 56, Problem 4

If you applied a fungicide to a cornfield, what would you expect to happen to the rate of decomposition and net ecosystem production (NEP)? a. Both decomposition rate and NEP would decrease. b. Neither would change. c. Decomposition rate would increase and NEP would decrease. d. Decomposition rate would decrease and NEP would increase.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Fungicide Effects

Fungicides are chemicals used to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi. When applied to crops like corn, they can disrupt the natural microbial communities in the soil, which play a crucial role in decomposition. This disruption can lead to a decrease in the rate of decomposition as beneficial fungi that break down organic matter are affected.
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Decomposition Rate

Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. A higher decomposition rate typically leads to the release of nutrients back into the soil, which can enhance plant growth. Conversely, a decrease in decomposition can result in nutrient accumulation and reduced soil fertility.
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Net Ecosystem Production (NEP)

Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) is the difference between the total carbon absorbed by photosynthesis and the total carbon released through respiration and decomposition in an ecosystem. A decrease in decomposition can lead to an increase in organic matter, potentially raising NEP, while a decrease in plant growth due to fungicide effects may lower NEP overall.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

One characteristic that distinguishes a population in an extinction vortex from most other populations is that a. it is a rare, top-level predator. b, its effective population size is lower than its total population size. c. its genetic diversity is very low. d. it is not well adapted to edge conditions.

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Textbook Question

The main cause of the increase in the amount of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere over the past 170 years is


A. increased worldwide primary production.

B. increased worldwide fertilizer production.

C. increased infrared radiation absorption by the atmosphere.

D. the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.


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Textbook Question

What is the single greatest threat to biodiversity? a. overharvesting of commercially important species b. habitat alteration, fragmentation, and destruction c. introduced species that compete with native species d. novel pathogens

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Textbook Question

Which of the following strategies would most rapidly increase the genetic diversity of a population in an extinction vortex? a. Establish a reserve that protects the population's habitat. b. Introduce new individuals transported from other populations of the same species. c. Sterilize the least fit individuals in the population. d. Control populations of the endangered population's predators and competitors.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements about protected areas established to preserve biodiversity is true? (A) About 25% of Earth's land area is now protected. (B) National parks are the only type of protected area. (C) Management of a protected area does not need to be coordinated with management of the surrounding area. (D) It is especially important to protect biodiversity hot spots

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