Microhabitats Specific Conditions Support Organisms
Microhabitats Objectives:
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Provide examples of different microhabitats within larger ecosystems.
- Describe what is happening to North American bats and why their loss may be significant.
- Tell the story of the Devil’s Hole pupfish, including how subtle changes in its microhabitat may lead to extinction.
Microhabitats are small areas within larger ecosystems that may have “microclimates” with different temperature and humidity. They may also be sheltered, have distinct soils, or other specific features.
Efforts are already underway to warn people in the west that the fungus causing white-nose syndrome in bats not only spreads bat-to-bat, it may also be carried on contaminated surfaces. Insectivorous bats can play a significant role in reducing “pest” insect populations and their loss impacts agriculture.
Just to prove that there is an isopod species for every biology concept, this is a recently discovered cave-dwelling species “Cubaris sp.” Re-creating the conditions of its microhabitat may be important for health and successful reproduction.
Once you start looking, you’ll notice that there are microhabitats throughout an ecosystem. Tidal pools provide a good example. In a sense, this is a collection of microhabitats.
Ecotones, the small habitats created where two larger ecosystems meet, can be examples of microhabitats.
One of the most dramatic examples of how significant a microhabitat can be is the story of the Devil’s Hole Pupfish.
This is the end of the Global Guide. Material from this and the corresponding lecture are assessed on the weekly quiz.
Check your knowledge. Can you:
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Provide examples of different microhabitats within larger ecosystems?
- Describe what is happening to North American bats and why their loss may be significant?
- Tell the story of the Devil’s Hole pupfish, including how subtle changes in its microhabitat may lead to extinction?
Go back to the Endangered Species Page
Go back to the Global Guide Overview
Global Lecture Guide Contents
This guide and lecture material are assessed on the weekly quiz.
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