B4.2 Ecological niches

Question 1

Biotic interactions

Answer 1

Interactions among living organisms, including competition, predation, and symbiosis

Question 2

Abiotic factors

Answer 2

Non-living elements of an ecosystem like temperature, sunlight, and soil pH

Question 3

Ecological Niche

Answer 3

The role and position a species has in its environment; includes interactions and resources

Question 4

Generalist vs. Specialist Species

Answer 4

Generalists thrive in a wide range of conditions; specialists thrive in a narrow range of conditions

Question 5

Impact of environment on species distribution

Answer 5

Environmental factors determine where a species can live and reproduce

Question 6

Photosynthesis

Answer 6

Process by which plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from CO2 and water

Question 7

Holozoic Nutrition

Answer 7

Nutrition involving ingestion of liquid or solid organic material, digestion, absorption, and assimilation

Question 8

Mixotrophic Nutrition

Answer 8

Combines autotrophic and heterotrophic methods; seen in organisms like Euglena

Question 9

Saprotrophic Nutrition

Answer 9

Involves secreting enzymes to decompose organic matter, then absorbing the products

Question 10

Diversity of Archaea Nutrition

Answer 10

Archaea can use light, oxidation of inorganic/organic compounds for energy

Question 11

Herbivorous Dentition

Answer 11

Teeth adapted for grinding plant material; flat molars and long incisors

Question 12

Omnivorous Dentition

Answer 12

Teeth adapted to handle both plant and animal material

Question 13

Dental Microwear

Answer 13

Small markings on teeth indicating the type of diet an animal had

Question 14

Dentition in Hominidae

Answer 14

Variation in teeth structure indicating diverse diets among human ancestors

Question 15

Adaptations in Teeth

Answer 15

Teeth adaptations are crucial for survival, aiding in food consumption

Question 16

Herbivore Adaptations

Answer 16

Adaptations like specialized teeth and digestive systems for plant consumption

Question 17

Predator Adaptations

Answer 17

Adaptations for hunting and killing prey, like sharp claws and keen senses

Question 18

Prey Adaptations

Answer 18

Adaptations for avoiding predators, like camouflage and speed

Question 19

Plant Adaptations for Light Harvesting

Answer 19

Structures like broad leaves for maximum sunlight absorption

Question 20

Defensive Adaptations

Answer 20

Mechanisms like thorns and toxic chemicals to deter herbivores

Question 21

Fundamental Niche

Answer 21

The full potential range of conditions and resources a species could theoretically use

Question 22

Realised Niche

Answer 22

The actual conditions and resources a species uses, influenced by competition

Question 23

Competitive Exclusion Principle

Answer 23

Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist at constant population values

Question 24

Niche Partitioning

Answer 24

Process where competing species use the environment differently to coexist

Question 25

Effect of Niche Overlap

Answer 25

When species overlap niches, competition increases, potentially leading to the exclusion of one species