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Biology > B4.1 - Ecosystems > Flashcards

B4.1 - Ecosystems Flashcards

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1
Q

Decomposers

A

An organism that decomposes dead organic matter

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2
Q

Detritivores

A

A decomposer that eats and digests the dead organic matter to internally gain nutrients

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3
Q

Examples of decomposers

A

Bacteria
Fungi
Protists

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4
Q

Examples of detritavores

A

Earthworms
Millipedes
Sea stars

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5
Q

How to decomposers break down the dead organic matter

A

Secretes enzymes that externally digest the dead organic matter

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6
Q

Autotrophs

A

Make their own food

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7
Q

Sacrotrophs

A

Feed on dead matter

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8
Q

Petrotrophs

A

Eat lots of different things

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9
Q

What is nitrogen needed for

A

Protein,

DNA

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10
Q

Ecosystem definition

A

An ecosystem is made up of all living organisms and physical conditions within an area

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11
Q

Community definition

A

All of the living organisms within an ecosystem

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12
Q

Habitat

A

The area in which an animal/group of organisms live

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13
Q

Population definition

A

The total number of individuals within ONE species

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14
Q

Detritavores

A

They are very small animals break down larger decaying matter into smaller parts, preparing them for decomposers to then break down

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15
Q

Biomass

A

The total dry mass of an organisms- (including bones)

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16
Q

How can biomass be lost in a food chain

A

Respiration
Egestion
Excretion
When animals eat each other, they do not eat the entire animals. Things like BONES are left over, so not all biomass is transferred

17
Q

Ultimate source of energy for all organisms is

A

Sunlight - used for photosynthesis in producrs

18
Q

Difference between food web and food chain

A

Food chain is one small sequence but a food web is a group of interlinked food chains

19
Q

Biotic factors

A

All living things, e.g. animals or plants

20
Q

Abiotic factors

A

Non living things, the physical conditions. Such as light levels, temperature, pH, wind etc, even rainfall amounts

21
Q

Interspecific competition

A

BBETWEEN species

22
Q

Intraspeciifc competition

A

Within species

23
Q

What can organisms compete over

A 
Habitat/territory
Food
Mates
Resources
Prey
24
Q

How does light intensity affect an ecosystem

A

Light is needed for photosynthesis - so the producers can make their energy and hence provide the rest of the food web with energy to survive.

On lower light, some plants have broader leaves to maximise the amount of light absorbed

25
Q

How does temperature affect and ecosystem

A

Temperature is important to control enzymatic reactions such as metabolic reactions. This is key in the growth of plants and animals

26
Q

How does water/moisture level affect an ecosystem

A

Lack of water leads to death
Water is main part of blood plasma and hence needed by animals, but plants also need it for photosynthesis. Water also helps keep plant cells turgid

27
Q

How doe soil pH affect ecosystems

A

pH alters the availability of minerals in the soil, which plants need. Some plants grow better in different pH levels

28
Q

What can plants compete over

A 
Light
Water
Carbon dioxide
Space
Minerals from soil
29
Q

Mutualism

A

When both organisms benefit - e.g. plants and animals

30
Q

Predation

A

The relationship between predator and prey

31
Q

Parasitism

A

When only one organism benefits

E.g. tapeworms in animal’s digestive system

32
Q

How is pyramid of biomass different to pyramid of numbers

A

Numbers can be inverted, since it depends on the organisms. Since, one whale has to eat thousands of krill. Inversely, several woodpeckers can feed off of one huge tree.

Biomass pyramids are usually the normal shape, since biomass is always lost as u go up a food chain

33
Q

How do scientists calculate biomass

A

Take samples of organisms from each trophic level. Measure average mass of each organisms and multiply by the number of organisms to find total biomass at each trophic level

Since it is DRY mass, organisms have to be killed and kiln dried to remove any wated

34
Q

3 things which get revcyecled in Nature

A

Nitrogen
CO2
Water

35
Q

Example sod detritavores

A

Earthworm
Woodlouse
Maggot

36
Q

Factors affecting rate of decomposition/composting

A

Warm temperature - if too high, enzymes denature and no longer break down. At lower temps, the ROR is too low

Moisture - low water causes reactions to slow and hence slows decomposition

Aerobic conditions - the decomposers need oxygen to aerobically respire and get energy. They can’t survive in anaerobic conditions.

Biology (16 decks)

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