Describe the ecological dominance using an example.

Ecological dominance refers to the ability of a particular species to outcompete and dominate other species in a given ecosystem. This can be seen in the case of the lion in the African savanna. Lions are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and have few natural predators. They are highly skilled hunters and have evolved to be efficient at taking down large prey such as zebras and wildebeest.

Due to their dominance, lions play a crucial role in regulating the populations of herbivores in the savanna. Their presence helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem by preventing overgrazing and ensuring that plant species are not depleted. Additionally, lions' dominance can also influence the behavior and distribution of other species in the ecosystem, as they may avoid certain areas or change their behavior to avoid encounters with lions.

Overall, the ecological dominance of lions in the African savanna demonstrates how a single species can have a significant impact on the dynamics of an entire ecosystem.

Ecological Dominance:

Ecological dominance occurs when a single species exerts a disproportionate influence on its environment, controlling resources and influencing the structure, composition, and dynamics of the ecosystem.

Example: American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) in Eastern Deciduous Forests:

In the eastern deciduous forests of North America, the American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is an ecologically dominant species. It possesses several traits that enable it to dominate the ecosystem:

- High Shade Tolerance: Beech seedlings and saplings can tolerate low light levels, allowing them to establish and grow under the dense canopy of mature trees.
- Fast Growth Rate: Once established, beech trees grow rapidly, outcompeting other species for resources.
- Dense Foliage: Beech trees produce a dense canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the forest floor, inhibiting the growth of other understory species.
- Large Seed Production: Beech trees produce a large number of nuts each year, which provides a food source for wildlife but also limits the establishment of other tree species.
- Long Lifespan: Beech trees can live for several centuries, allowing them to maintain their dominance over long periods.

As a result of these traits, American beech trees often form dense, monoculture stands in eastern deciduous forests. They control access to light, water, and nutrients, which limits the diversity and abundance of other plant species. This dominance also influences the animal community, as fewer species can thrive in a beech-dominated forest.

The ecological dominance of beech trees has important implications for ecosystem functioning:

- Reduced Biodiversity: The suppression of other plant species can lead to lower species diversity in beech-dominated forests.
- Nutrient Cycling: The dense canopy reduces light availability and decomposability on the forest floor, affecting nutrient turnover rates.
- Carbon Sequestration: Beech trees store significant amounts of carbon, contributing to the global carbon cycle.
- Wildlife Habitat: Beech forests provide habitat for certain bird and mammal species, but their dominance can limit the diversity of wildlife.