9. natural ecosystems and human activity

Question 1

ecosystem

Answer 1

all the biotic and abiotic components of an environment

Question 2

population

Answer 2

all the organisms of one species living together

Question 3

community

Answer 3

group of populations of different species that live together in an area and interact with each other

Question 4

habitat

Answer 4

the place within an ecosystem where an organism is adapted to live

Question 5

niche

Answer 5

the role of a species within the ecosystem

Question 6

pyramid of numbers

Answer 6

a diagram that represents the numbers of organims at each feeding / trophic level in an ecosystem

Question 7

quadrat

Answer 7

a frame of known area used to sample organisms that do not move

Question 8

random sampling

Answer 8

a sampling method in which the sampling device is placed using random number tables or rolled dice

Question 9

transect

Answer 9

the sampling devices are laid out across a line already placed across and area

Question 10

systematic sampling

Answer 10

sampling device placed along a line or some other predetermined patterm

Question 11

pooter

Answer 11

a device for retrieving small animals from devices such as nets and pitfall traps

Question 12

climax community

Answer 12

the stable community characteristic of an area that persists as long as the climate doesnt change

Question 13

carbon sink

Answer 13

a vegetated area where the intake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in photosynthesis exceeds its output from respiration so the net flow of carbon is from the atmosphere into plants

Question 14

carbon store

Answer 14

a mature vegetated area where the intake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by photosynthesis equals the output from respiration so the mature plant stores carbon