Biology- Unit 10

Question 1

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

A life supporting environment

Question 2

What is a biosphere?

Answer 2

All life-supporting environments on the earth’s surface

Question 3

What is a biome?

Answer 3

Major ecosystems

Question 4

What are some sampling methods?

Answer 4

Line transect- where a line is placed down across a habitat and species in contact with the line are recorded
Quadrat- a square of a given size randomly placed, species inside are identified
Belt transit- combination of line and quadrat

Question 5

What is net primary productivity?

Answer 5

NPP = GPP - R

Question 6

What is succession?

Answer 6

Colonisation of an area by organisms and the gradual replacement of these organisms with more complex ones

Question 7

What is primary succession?

Answer 7

An area previously devoid of life is colonised

Question 8

What is a pioneer species?

Answer 8

E.g lichens
First organisms to colonise
Die and leave humus which develops into soil

Question 9

What is a climax community?

Answer 9

The most productive, self-sustaining and stable community

Question 10

What are some examples of biotic factors?

Answer 10

Predation
Reproductive partners
Territory
Disease

Question 11

What are some examples of abiotic factors?

Answer 11

Light
Temperature
Wind
Water availability
Oxygen availability
Structure and quality of soil

Question 12

What are some human effects on ecosystems?

Answer 12

CO2 levels
Temperature records
Pollen in peat bogs
Dendrochronology