B16 - Ecology

Question 1

Ecosystem

Answer 1

A relatively self-contained, interacting community of organisms and the environment (biotic and abiotic or non-living components) in which they live and interact. eg. Lake Ecosystem (Freshwater Aquatic), Woodland Ecosystem (Terrestrial).

Question 2

Biotic Factor (Living Factors)

Answer 2

The living component of an ecosystem that affect the organisms living there. eg. Feeding Relationship, Competition between organisms, Pathogens, Predators, Parasites, etc.

Question 3

Abiotic Factors

Answer 3

The non-living components of an ecosystem that affect the organisms living there. eg. There are numerous environmental factors (measurable): temp, co2 conc, light intensity, o2 conc, water avaliability, pH, winds, climate, nurishment, nutrients, etc.

Question 4

Producers

Answer 4

Organisms that produce organic molecules (eg. Sugar) from simple inorganic ones (eg. Carbon Dioxide and water) using an energy source (eg. Light). At the top of the food chain. Most are photoautotrophs. eg. Any green plant (tree, grass, etc).

Question 5

Consumer

Answer 5

Any organism that feeds on another organism. They are heterotrophs. eg. All animals, All fungi, Most bacteria.

Question 6

Decomposer

Answer 6

Organisms that break down dead (eg. Roots) or undigested organic material. Decomposers are impotant in nutrient recycling. eg. Bacteria and Fungi.

Question 7

Trophic Level

Answer 7

One of the steps in a food chain. Defined where the organic matter comes from. eg. Primary Producer (TL1), Primary Consumer (TL2), Secondary Consumer (TL3), Tertiary Consumer (TL4), Top Carnivore (TL5).

Question 8

Habitat

Answer 8

The place where an organism lives, providing correct environenmental conditions (physically, chemically, and biological). eg. Habitat of a Rowan (Mountain Ash) - Decidious Wood.

Question 9

Population

Answer 9

Group of organisms of the same species, living in the same place at the same time. eg. Population of (animal name) in (x time of the year) in (place / area).

Question 10

Community

Answer 10

Made up of all of the organisms of all the species living wothin a habitat. eg. Woodland community includes all of the plants, animals, micro-organisms in the habitat.

Question 11

Species

Answer 11

A group of organisms with similar characteristics that can potentially interbreed and produce fertile offspring. eg. Blue Bell, Orang-utan.