B4: Form and Function of Ecosystems Flashcards
What is a habitat?
Place where an organism lives, including the physical conditions/type of ecosystem/where it resides
How specific can a habitat be?
As specific as which part of a tree it lives
What is an abiotic factor?
Non-living aspect of an ecocystem that typically has impact at extremes
Examples of an abiotic factor
Soil/rock/temperature/salinity/rainfall amount
What is an adaptation?
Genetic feature of an organism that provides an advantage for survival/reproduction
What is an ecosystem?
Interacting biotic community + abiotic factors in one area at one time
What is a species?
Group of living organisms capable of successfully interbreeding to create fertile offspring
What is species distribution?
Manner in which a species is arranged in a geographic area/where it lives
How is species distribution usually indicated?
On a map with a key for abundance
What is a limiting factor?
Any abiotic factor that (at extremes) prevents a species from living in an area
What is range of tolerance?
Area between two extremes for an abiotic factor that can still accomodate successful habitation of a species
What is a physical adaptation?
Changes to the physical structure/outward appearance
What is a chemical adaptation?
Changes in the cellular level or functional changes to an internal process
What is a behavioural adaptation?
Learned (requries previous expore) or innate (natural) actions of an organism
What is a population?
One species in one area at a time
What is a community?
interacting populations in one area at one time
How is an adaptation evolved?
Natural selection
Mutation in DNA, causes genetic variation, struggle to survive, survival of the fittest, inheritance of variation
What are physical adaptations of grasses to sand dunes?
Thick, waxy cuticle
Accumulation of fructans in tap roots
Rhizomes that grow upwards as sand accumulates + extends deep into dune
Stomata in furrows/indentations
What are the conditions in a sand dune that grass must adapt to?
Low water availability
High salt concentration
What are chemical adaptations of grasses to sand dunes?
Conversion of materials into fructans (to be stored in root/leaf cells)
Rolling leaves
What is the benefit of a thick, waxy coating on leaves (cuticle)?
Reduce water loss/transpiration
What type of adaptation is a cuticle?
Physical
What is the advantage of rolling leaves for grass to sand dune environment?
Creates a humid area inside the rolled leaf -> less transpiration
What is the advantage of accumulating fructans (carbohydrates) in root + leaf cells for grass to sand dunes environment?
Increases osmotic pressure -> more water uptake
What is the advantage of rhizomes for grass to sand dune environment?
They grow upwards as sand accumulates and extend deep down -> can obtain water from these sources
What is a rhizome?
Underground stem
What is the benefit of having stomata in furrows/indentations for grass in a sand dunes environment?
Humid air can remain -> less transpiration
What adaptations of grass to sand dunes lead to reduce transpiration?
Cuticle (thick waxy coating in leaves)
Rolling Leaves
Stomata in furrows
What adaptations of grass to sand dunes lead to increased water uptake?
Accumulation of fructans in root/leaf cell
Rhizomes
What are the conditions of mangrove swamps that trees must adapt to?
Waterlogged anaerobic soils, high salt concentrations b/c of daily flooding + evaporation of salt in mud
What adaptations do trees have to a mangrove swamp?
Root epidermic coated in suberin
Secretion of salt from salt glands in leaves
Cable roots growing close to soil surface
Pneumatophores
Large buoyant seeds
Accumulation of mineral ions and carbon compounds
What are physical adaptations of trees to mangrove swamps?
Root epidermic coated in suberin
Glands in leaves for secretion of salt
Cable roots close to surface
Pneumatophores
Large buoyant seeds
What are chemical adaptations of trees to mangrove swamps?
Secretion of salt from salt glands in leaves
Cable roots growing clsoe to surface
Accumulation of mineral ions and carbon compounds
What is the advantage of a root epidermis coated in suberin (cork) for a tree in a mangrove?
Reduces permeability to salt -> prevents excessive absorption
What is the advantage of secreting salt from salt glands in leaves for a tree in a mangrove?
Reduces salt in trees
What is the advantage of cable roots growing close to soil surface for a tree in a mangrove?
Soil surface has more oxygen to absorb
What is the advantage of pneumatophores for a tree in a mangrove?
Can absorb oxygen for use in roots
What are pneumatophores?
Vertical root branches that grow into the air
What is the advantage of large buoyant seeds for a tree in a mangrove?
Can be carried by ocean to distant muddy shores
What is the advantage of accumulating mineral ions and carbon compounds for a tree in a mangrove?
Increases osmotic potential -> water absorption in a very saline environment
Why does the pH in rock pools change during a 24 hour cycle?
Different levels of sunlight affect photosynthesis occuring in algae. Higher levels of sunlight cause more photosynthesis, so lower carbon dioxide concentration and a higher pH. No sunlight means no photosynthesis, but cellular respiration continues. This leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels, so a lower pH
Why are species often absent from the upper parts of the intertidal zone?
Upper parts of intertidal are exposed to more drastic changes, so must be able to withstand varying temperatures/salinity/moisture + strong waves
What is a transect?
A scale line laid along the length of an area being measured
What is a transect used for in biology?
Determine species distribution and for systemic data gathering
What is line intersect sampling?
A transect is placed along ground and any organism that touches/is present at the line is recorded
What is belt transect sampling?
A transect (two lines this time) belt is placed between two poles. Continuous is when every species in this is measured. Interrupted is where intermittent blocks are measured. Quadrant is when boxes are used
What is an observational transect?
When an observer walks along a defined route at a defined pace and records sightings of target species.
What is data logging?
Digital storage of measurements taken at regular intervals (i.e. LOGS), taken by a sensory probe
What is data logging used for in biology?
Effectively consolidating/determing trends
What is the relationship between carbon dioxide and pH?
Increase in carbon dioxide -> decrease in pH
What are the two species a coral reef is made of?
Coral polyp and zooxanthellae algae
What factors need to be optimal for coral growth?
water depth
water temp
salinity
water clarity
water pH
What is the abiotic requirement of water depth for coral reefs?
less than 50m below surface, so sunlight can reach algae
What is zooxanthellae’s role in a coral reef?
Photosynthesis
What is the abiotic requirement of water temperature for coral reefs?
23-29 degrees Celsiuis
What happens if coral reefs are at the wrong temperature?
Coral polyp will expel algae
What is the abiotic requirement of salinity for coral reefs?
32-42ppt salt for osmolarity
What is the abiotic requirement of water clarity for coral reefs?
clear enough for light to pass through for photosynthesis by algae
What is the abiotic requirement of water pH for coral reefs?
7.8 or higher to form calcium carbonate
What are the two main abiotic factors impacted by carbon emissions and climate change in coral reefs?
Water temperature
Water pH
Why was a mountain top in the Hawaiian islands chosen for a long-term monitoring station for carbon dioxide?
Away from impacts of manmade carbon emissions
What is a biome?
Group of ecosystems that resemble each other, sharing similar abiotic and biotic factors
What are the six biomes?
tropical rainforest
temperate forest
taiga (boreal forest)
desert
grasslands
tundra
What is the acronym for biomes?
Taylor Teased The Tortured Groupies’ Department
What are the features of a tropical rainforest?
High temperature
High precipitation
High light
Minimal seasonal variation
What is the temperature in a tropical rainforest?
High temperature
What is the precipitation in a tropical rainforest?
High
What is the light in a tropical rainforest?
high
What are the seasons like in a tropical rainforest?
Minimal seasonal variation
What is the temperature in a temperate forest?
Medium/moderate
What is the precipitation in a temperate forest?
Medium to high
What is the light in a temperate forest?
Medium
What are the seasons like in a temperate forest?
Warm summers
Cold winter
What are the features of a temperate forest?
medium/moderate temperature
medium to high precipitation
medium light
warm summers. cold winter
What are the conditions of a taiga (Boreal Forest)?
Low temperature
Medium to high precipitation
Low to medium light
Short summers. Long, cold winters
What is the temperature in a taiga?
Low
What is the precipitation in a taiga?
Medium-to-high
What is the light in a taiga?
Low to medium
What are the seasons like in a taiga?
Short summers
Long, cold winters
What are the conditions of the desert?
High temperature
Very low precipitation
High light
Minimal seasonal variations
What is the temperature in a desert?
High
What is the precipitation in a desert?
very low
What is the light in a desert?
high
What is the seasonal variation in a desert?
Minimal seasonal variation
What are the conditions of grasslands?
Medium to high temperature
Medium precipitation
Medium to high light
Distinct seasonal variation with dry or cold season
What is the temperature in grasslands?
Medium to high
What is the precipitation in grasslands?
Medium
What is the light in grassland?
Medium to high
What are the seasons like in a grassland?
Distinct variation. Dry or cold seasons
What are the conditions of a tundra?
Very low temperature
Low to medium precipitation
Low light
Very short summer with a very long/cold winter
What is the temperature in a tundra?
very low
What is the precipitation in a tundra?
low to medium
What is the light in a tundra?
low
What is the seasonal variation in a tundra?
Very short summer. Very long/cold winter
What is convergent evolution?
WHen distantly distanted species that face similar environmental challenges develop similar adaptations to best suit their environment
i.e. physically similar without common ancestry
How does convergent evolution work?
Similar survival pressures (despite being geographically isolated from each other). Survival of the fittests. Therefore, similar traits are passed on. All organisms in dry environment share similar features
Why do biomes have similar organisms?
Convergent evolution
What adaptations does the Saguaro cactus have to the desert?
Roots that are widespread + form a deep taproot
Have storage tissue and pleats
Vertical orientation
Leaves reduced to spines
CAM metabolism
What physical adaptations does the Saguaro cactus have to the desert?
Widespread roots + deep taproot
Storage tissue and pleats
Vertical orientation
Leaves reduced to spines
What chemical adaptation does the Saguaro cactus have to the desert?
CAM metabolism (store CO2 at malic acid in cells so only open at night)
What are the benefits of the Saguaro cactus having widespread roots (up to 30m from stem) and forming deep taproots (1m down into soil)?
Maximise water uptake from the ground
What are the benefits of the Saguary cactus have storage tissue and pleats?
Allows plant to store water for when it doesn’t rain.
Pleats = maximum uptake
What are the benefits of the Saguaro Cactus having vertical orientation?
Minimal SA exposure @ midday -> less heat exposure -> less transpiration
What adaptations does the fennec fox have to the environment?
Nocturnal
Thick, pale fur
High water reabsorption in kidneys
Large ears (
What is one behavioural adaptation of the fennec fox to the desert?
Nocturnal -> spends its day in an underground den
Why is being nocturnal an advantage for the fennec fox to the desert?
Not exposed to the sun at peak hours. Not near predators
Why is having thick, pale fur an advantage for the fennec fox?
When it is cold, the fur traps air to heat the fox.
When it is hot, the fur reflects heat into the environment
Camoflage
Why is having high water reabsorption in kidneys an advantage for the fennec fox in the desert?
Conserves water when excreting urine
Why is having large ears (thin with bloodvessels near skin)
Can dissipate excess heat. improve hearing for hunting
What are physical adaptations for the fennec fox to its environment?
Thick, pale fur
Large ears
What is a chemical adaptation of the fennec fox to its environment?
High water reabsorption in kidneys
What are adaptations of the yellow meranti to the rainforest?
Tall trunk
Hard trunk/thick base
Dense trunk
Broad, oval evergeen leaves
Enzymes that can function at up to 35 degrees Celsius
What are physical adaptations of the yellow meranti to the rainforest?
Tall trunk
Hard trunk/thick base
Dense trunk
Broad/oval evergeen leaves
What is a chemical adaptation of the yellow meranti to the rainforest?
Enzymes that can function up to 35 degrees Celsius
Why is having a tall trunk an advantage for the yellow meranti in the rainforest?
Reaches higher so can access more sunlight -> more photosynthesis
Why is having a hard trunk/thick base an advantage for the yellow meranti in the rainforest?
Strong support -> adapt to extreme winds + be stable
Why is having a dense trunk an advantage forthe yellow meranti in the rainforest?
Prevents damage from bugs + more support to strong winds
Why is having broad, evergeen leaves an advantage for the yellow meranti in the rainforest?
Large SA:V -> increased transpiration to cool down
Why is having enzymes that can function up to 35 degrees Celsius an advantage for the yellow meranti in the rainforest?
Allow photosynthesis to occur in higher temperatures
What are adaptations of the spider money to to rainforest?
Long arms/legs
Flexible shoulders
Developed larynx for production of sound
Sleeping at night and active during day
What are physical adaptations of the spider monkey to the rainforest?
Long arms/legs
Flexible shoulders
Developed larynx for production of sound
Sleeping at night + active during day
Why is having long arms/legs and flexible shoulders an advantage for the spider monkey in the rainforest?
Allow them to swing though canopy and pick food
What is a behavioural adaptation of the spider monkey in the forest?
Swining through the canopy
Why is having a developed larynx for the production of sound an advantage for the spider monkey in the rainforest?
Allows communication when threatened
Why is being active during the day and sleeping at night an advantage for the spider monkey in the rainforest?
Allows best visibility for movement -> can gather food and get around rainforest
What environment does a saguaro cactus live in?
Desert
What environment does the fennec fox live in?
Desert
What environment does the yellow meranti live in?
Rainforest
What environment does the spider monkey live in?
Rainforest
What are obligate aerobes?
Species that require oxygen to make ATP and die without it
Where do obligate aerobes live?
Environments with sufficient oxygen
What type of respiration do obligate aerobes do?
Aerobic respiration
What are obligate anaerobes?
Species that produce ATP only without oxygen. They are inhibited/poisoned by the presence of oxygen
Where are obligate anaerobes found?
Areas without oxygen such as deep within the ocean/digestive tract
What type of respiration do obligate anaerobes do?
Anaerobic respiration
What are facultative anaerobes?
Species that can easily switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration (i.e. either is sufficient)
Where do facultative anaerobes live?
Any environment regardless of oxygen
What are autotrophs?
species that make their own carbon compounds (usually glucose) from simple substances. [producers]
What are heterotrophs?
Species that obtain carbon compounds from other living organisms [consumers]
What does holozoic mean?
Whole pieces of food are swallowed before fully digested / digestion occurs in digestive tract
What does saprotrophic mean?
Having the ability to excrete enzymes into environment (onto organic matter), matter is externally digested + then absorbed and directly used [decomposers]
What does mixotrophic mean?
Having the ability to act as a heterotroph or an autotroph
What is archae?
Prokaryotic unicellular organisms with distinct features (in terms of reproduction, structure, etc) from bacteria.
What are some unique ways archae obtain nutrition?
Autotrophs that do photosynthesis without chloroplasts
Autotrophs that do chemosynthesis
Heterotrophs
What does oxic mean?
Environment with available O2
What does anoxic mean?
No oxygen in environment (e.g. swamps/intestinal tract of animals)
What are the steps of Holozoic nutrition?
- Ingestion: food is taken into gut
- Digestion: large food molecules are broken down
- Absorption: small organic molecules are transported through epidermis of gut into blood/tissues
- Assimilation: organic molecules are used to synthesise macromolecules
- Egestion: undigested food is voided
What are the steps of saprotrophic nutrition?
release enzymes into environment
digestion occurs outside of body
absorb digested matter
No egestion b/c only usable material is absorbed
What is a facultative mixotroph?
Species that could survive on photosynthesis alone
What is an obligate mixotroph?
Species that need photosynthesis and consumption to obtain all nutrition
What is a consumer?
Organism that ingests living/freshly dead organic matter
What is a detritivore?
Organism that ingests dead/decaying organic matter
Example of a consumer
Most animals
What is an example of a detritivore?
Earth worm/crows
What is a photoautroph?
Organism that produces own food from inorganic sources, using sunlight and CO2
What is a chemautotroph?
Organism that produces own food from inorganic sources, using only inorganic molecules
What is one method to learn the trophic level of a fish once it is captured?
Analyse waste/digestive system
What is one effect of commercial over-fishing in terms of trophic levels?
Reducing the number of fish that feed at higher trophic levels
Why might the mean trophic level of a fish increase with age?
Increased size and need for food. Having exposure to more habitats
What is a Winogradsky column?
Device used to create a model of a microbial ecosystem
What are Winogradsky columns used to show?
The requirements for microorganisms, specifically in relation to oxygen
What are Winogradsky columns made of?
Sediment/mud, carbon and sulfur source
What does a Winogradsky column form overtime?
A gradient of oxygen requirements
What is a genera?
Classifcation. Structurally/evolutionary related species
What traits are known to the family Hominidae?
bipedalism, big brain, well developed forearms, flattened nails, no tail
What genera are included in family Hominidae?
Genus Homo, Pongo, Gorilla, Pan
What are the 4 different types of teeth in mammals?
incisor
canine
premolar
molar
What are the traits of an incisor?
Front teeth
For cutting bite-sized pieces of food
Sharp edge across top
What are the traits of a canine tooth?
Single sharp point @ top of tooth
Used for ripping/tearing
What are the traits of a premolar tooth?
mostly flat surface @ top of tooth
used for crushing/slicing/grinding food
What are the traits of a molar tooth?
Back teeth
Used for grinding/chewing plant material
Broad/mostly flat surface at top of tooth
What are teeth adapted for herbivores?
Mostly large/flat to grind on plants
What are teeth adapted for meat eating (omnivorous in family Hominidae)?
Mixture of tooth types -> some for grinding, some for cutting
What are lianas?
Vines that take root on the forest floor + use trees as a scaffold
What is the benefit of being a liana?
Can access sunlight but dont need to be extremely stable
What is an epiphyte?
Plants that grow directly out of trees. No roots in soil
What is a herbaceous plant (herb)?
Plants without a woody stem + bark
What type of teeth do Australopithecus afrenis have, and what does this say about their diet?
Broad molars. Small canines + incisors -> variable herbivorous diet
What are the teeth features of Homo habilis, and what does this say about their diet?
Molars for grinding plants. Canines and incisors for cutting meat -> omnivore
What are the teeth features of a paranthropus boisei, and what does this say about their diet?
Massive molars -> herbivore
What are examples of adaptations for herbivores?
Beetles/caterpillars have jaw-like mouth parts (for chewing plant material)
Aphids have a long, pointed tubular mouthpiece -> puncture plants to drink sap
What are examples of adaptations to resist herbivory?
Sharp spines/thorn on leaf/stem -> scare off animals with a threat or injure those trying to eat
Production of toxins that are stored in leaves or seeds (Chemical) -> harm herbivores trying to eat. Paired with warning colours often
What are examples of adaptations for predators to obtain food?
Vampire bats have short/pointed incisors and canines -> pierce flesh
Black mambas produce neurotoxic venum (chemical) -> paralyse prey + swallow whole
If they advertise this neurotoxin -> behavioural, defence
Grizzly bears (behavioural) use ambush strategies -> best access to food source
What are examples of adaptations for prey to avoid predation?
Buff-tip moths are camoglaged to represent broken birch twigs -> physical, predators can’t find them
Cinnabar moth caterpillars create poison (chemical) and have colouration (physical) to indicate -> kills predators + future avoidance
Blue-striped snapper school together (Behavioural)
Examples of adaptations for plants harvesting light
Lianas grow up + around tree to use as support (chemical b/c tropism)
Epiphytes grow out a tree trunk (physical)
What is an ecological niche?
role an organism plays in a community, including abiotic and biotic interactions that impact growth/survival/reproduction
What is a fundamental niche?
Potential niche a species can inhabit based on adaptations and range of tolerance
What is a realised niche?
actual habitat a species thrives in once competition + success of predator/prey is factored in
What is the competitive exclusion principle?
Two species cannot occupy the same niche successfully
How does niche partitioning occur?
There is a fundamental niche (i.e. anywhere in abiotic zone of tolerance). A biotic factor (e.g. competition in this example) is added. Competitive exclusion principle exists. Overtime, the two species (in this case) are driven into different niches by natural selection. Niche partitioning has occured
