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Biology Unit 2 > Ch 13, 14, 15, 16 > Flashcards

Ch 13, 14, 15, 16 Flashcards

1
Q

Two grassland communities, A and B, cover a similar area, but community A has a greater number of populations than community B.
a ) Which community has the greater species richness?
b ) Which community is expected to be closer to the equator?

A

a) Community A with its greater number of populations has the greater species richness.
b) Because of its greater species richness, community A is expected to be closer to the equator.

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2
Q

Give one possible explanation for a clumped distribution in a population.

A

A clumped distribution of a population suggests that, within an area, only some parts have conditions suitable for survival of individuals. In the case of an animal population, it may be because only these parts provide an adequate source of food or shelter for the animals. In the case of a plant population, it may be that these parts alone have a suitable soil pH or water availability for the plants.

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3
Q

Give five reasons a biologist would estimate the population size of one or more species.

A

Population size might be estimated for several reasons including:
• to monitor the abundance of a pest population so that control measures can be introduced
• to monitor the frequency of occurrence of a population ‘explosion’ in a particular pest species
• to record changes over time in the population of an ‘at-risk’ species to identify whether the population size is stable, increasing or decreasing so that decisions about appropriate conservation measures can be made
• to monitor the effects of environmental change, such as prolonged drought, on the population of a species
• to record the abundance of various species in a community as part of identifying the biodiversity of that community.

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4
Q

Identify three problems with total counts of populations.

A

Problems include:
• For an animal species, a total count poses problems because the animals may be very small so some may be missed.
• For an animal species, a total count poses problems because the animals may be very mobile so some may be missed.
• For species with a very scattered distribution over a very large area, the cost of a total census is likely to be too expensive.

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5
Q

Which is more common: a total count or a sampling of a population?

A

Sampling of populations is more common because of the problems associated with most total counts of populations.

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6
Q

What is the area of one belt transect that is 200 metres wide and 500 metres long?

A

The area of this strip transect is 100 000 square metres or 0.1 square kilometre.

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7
Q

List four variables that affect the size of an open population.

A 
Variables that affect the size of an open population include:
•	birth rate
•	death rate
•	immigration to the population
•	emigration from the population.
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8
Q

In a closed population with zero population growth, how do birth and death rates compare?

A

In a closed population with zero population growth, birth and death rates are expected to be equal.

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9
Q

What is the name given to the curve for logistic population growth?

A

The curve that illustrates logistic population growth is called an S-shaped curve.

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10
Q

In which pattern(s) of growth is a deceleration phase present?

A

A deceleration phase in growth occurs in the logistic growth pattern.

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11
Q

Identify a density-dependent factor that would be expected to limit population growth.

A

Density-dependent factors that would be expected to limit population growth include:
• competition for food
• competition for shelter
• predation
• infectious diseases
• parasites.
In each case, as the population becomes larger, the impact of these factors on the population becomes greater.

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12
Q

Give one cause for the ‘crash’ of a prey population.

A

A prey population would be expected to ‘crash’ if the population of its predators is drastically reduced or eliminated.

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13
Q

17 Which species, r-selected or K-selected, would be expected:
a ) to recover more quickly after its population was reduced?
b ) to be at greater risk of extinction through habitat destruction?

A

a ) An r-selected species would be expected to recover more quickly than a K-selected species after its population was reduced because of its higher growth rate.
b ) A K-selected species would be at greater risk of extinction through habitat destruction than an r-selected species.

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14
Q

Give an example of: a K-selected species

A

K-selected species include elephants, gorillas, whales and albatross etc

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15
Q

Give an example of: an r-selected species

A

r-selected species include cane toads, many reef fish species, clams, coral polyps, crown-of-thorns starfish, rabbits and mice etc

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16
Q

List the three essential components of an ecosystem.

A

The three essential components of an ecosystem are:
• a living community of various populations
• the physical surroundings of that community
• the interactions between members of the community and their physical surroundings.

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17
Q

Give an example of an organism that is:

a producer in a terrestrial ecosystem

A

Typical producers in a terrestrial ecosystem would be expected to include flowering plants, conifers, ferns and mosses.

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18
Q

Give an example of an organism that is: a producer in an aquatic ecosystem

A

In an aquatic ecosystem, producers would be expected to include phytoplankton and algae.

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19
Q

Give an example of an organism that is: a consumer of chemical energy

A

A consumer of chemical energy is any herbivore, such as a leaf-eating insect, or any carnivore, such as a quoll.

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20
Q

Give an example of an organism that is: a tertiary consumer

A

A tertiary consumer is at the fourth trophic level and would be any animal that eats a carnivore. One example would be an eagle that eats small predatory mammals.

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21
Q

Give an example of an organism that is: an organism at the first trophic level.

A

Organisms at the first trophic level include any producer organisms, such as plants, algae and cyanobacteria.

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22
Q

In an ecosystem, which energy flow would be greater?
a energy flow from primary to secondary consumers
b energy flow into producers

A

In an ecosystem, (b) would be greater than (a). The energy flow into producers is expected to be greater than the energy flow from primary to secondary consumers since some energy is lost as heat energy at each trophic level, leaving less usable energy available for transfer to the next higher trophic level.

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23
Q

Identify two sources of ‘lost’ energy in a consumer organism.

A

The ‘lost’ energy in a consumer, such as a mammal, can be accounted for as:
• heat energy generated by metabolic processes for maintaining life
• organic matter in urine
• organic matter in faeces.

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24
Q

Which has the higher energy cost of production: one gram of herbivore tissue or one gram of carnivore tissue?

A

One gram of carnivore tissue has a much higher energy cost of production that one gram of herbivore tissue. In general, carnivore tissue is about 10 times more expensive in energy cost to produce relative to herbivore tissue.

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25
Consider a mountain ash tree and the consumers that live on it as an ecosystem. What would be distinctive about the pyramid of numbers for this ecosystem?
In this particular ecosystem, the pyramid of numbers would be inverted with just one very large producer organism but with many primary and secondary consumers.
26
Which of GPP and NPP supports the consumers in an ecosystem?
The consumers in an ecosystem are supported by the net primary production (NPP) in an ecosystem.
27
Give an example of a limiting factor for primary productivity in: a desert ecosystems
A limiting factor for primary productivity in a desert ecosystem is the availability of water.
28
Give an example of a limiting factor for primary productivity in: b tropical rainforest ecosystems.
A limiting factor for primary productivity in a tropical rainforest ecosystem is the availability of light.
29
Explain the equation: NPP = GPP – R.
GPP (gross primary production) is the total organic matter produced by the producers in an ecosystem. NPP (net primary production) is the remainder after the producer’s own energy needs through cellular respiration has been met. R is the organic matter used in cellular respiration by the producers. The equation NPP = GPP – R shows this relationship.
30
From where do the hydrothermal bacteria obtain energy to make organic matter?
The chemosynthetic bacteria in hydrothermal vent ecosystems make organic matter using energy released by reactions involving inorganic matter. For example, chemosynthetic sulfur bacteria use the energy released from the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur.
31
What is the source of carbon atoms in both photosynthesis and chemosynthesis?
In both photosynthesis and chemosynthesis, the source of carbon atoms is carbon dioxide.
32
Give an example of the following: | an inorganic form in which carbon atoms can be present
Inorganic forms of carbon include carbon dioxide.
33
Give an example of the following: | an organic form in which nitrogen atoms can be present.
Nitrogen is present in organic form in amino acids and in proteins.
34
Identify a cycle that fits the following: | one that depends on the action of many kinds of bacteria
The nitrogen cycle depends on the action of many kinds of bacteria including: • nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert nitrogen from the air to ammonium ions • nitrifying bacteria to convert ammonium ions to nitrates and nitrites • decomposer bacteria to convert organic nitrogen to an inorganic form.
35
Identify a cycle that fits the following: | one that does not involve the atmosphere as a store.
The phosphorus cycle does not involve the atmosphere as a gaseous store of the element concerned
36
Chemical A is water-soluble and can be excreted; chemical B dissolves in lipids and is non-biodegradable. Which would be expected to accumulate?
Because chemical B is not biodegradable, if it is present in an ecosystem, it will tend to persist. So, chemical B would be expected to accumulate in body tissues because it can dissolve in lipids. Since chemical B is not water soluble, it cannot be readily excreted from the body.
37
Which group of organisms in an ecosystem would be expected to have the highest accumulation of a persistent chemical? Explain.
The highest accumulation of a persistent chemical in an ecosystem would be expected in the highest order consumers. An increasing concentration or bio-accumulation of a persistent chemical occurs as the trophic level of an organism increases. This is due to the fact that each gram of tissue built up at one trophic requires the consumption of 10 times that amount of tissue from the trophic level below it
38
What are the three parts of a ecosystem?
- The community - Its Physical Surroundings - Interactions within and between them
39
Biosphere
A name for all ecosystems on earth. It can also be described as being made up of a series of terrestrial and aquatic biomes (major ecological groupings)
40
Define biome
a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g. forest or tundra.
41
Types of Aquatic Biomes
- Lakes - Oceans - Rocky Shores
42
Types of Terrestrial Biomes
- Rainforests - Desert - Grasslands
43
What are the living aspects of biodiversity
Biodiversity includes the variety of different living things; plants, animals, micro-organisms, their genes and the ecosystem of which they are apart
44
Ecology
Is the study of living things and their surrounding
45
What is the equation for an Ecosystem
Habitat + Community = Ecosystem
46
What is a Community made up of
A community is made up of populations of various organisms living together and interacting with one another in a particular habitat
47
What is a Community made up of
A community is made up of populations of various organisms living together and interacting with one another in a particular habitat
48
What is a Habitat
Part of an ecosystem in which an organism lives, feed and reproduces
49
What does a population consist of
A population consists of one species living in a particular place at a particular time
50
What are the 5 levels of a biological organisation
``` Ecosystem Community Population Organism Cell ```
51
How is a Ecosystem named
A ecosystem is usually named after the most dominant species or most abundant species in the community together with its overall appearance or layout
52
Define Vegetation
plants considered collectively, especially those found in a particular area or habitat.
53
How is vegetation classifed
Vegetation is classified according to - percentage of ground covered by the tallest layer of vegetation - the form of the tallest layer ( tree, shrub, grass)
54
What is the role of Producers
Producers or autotrophs manufactor organic compounds such as glucose, from simple inorganic compounds, such as carbon dioxide and water using sunlight in the process of photosynthesis
55
What is the equation for photsynthesis
6CO2 + 12HO ----------> C2H2O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
56
What are the producers in an aquatic ecosystem
Microscopic phytoplankton, algae and seagrass
57
What are the producers in a terrestrial ecosystem
Trees, grasses, pines, flowering plants, ferns and mosses
58
Consumers
Obtain their energy by eating other organisms
59
What are examples of consumers in aquatic ecosystems
Fishes that graze on algae Sharks that eat fish Crabs that eat dead fish
60
What are examples of consumers in terrestrial ecosystems
Wallabies that eat grass Koalas that eat leaves Snakes that eat small frogs Eagles that eat snakes
61
What are the four groups of consumers
Herbivores Carnivores Omnivores Detritivores
62
Herbivores
Eat plants ( cows, wallabies)
63
Carnivores
Eat animals (snakes, lions)
64
Omnivores
Eat both plants and animals (humans, ravens)
65
Detritivores
Eat decomposing organic matter, dung or decaying animal remains [detritus] ( earth worms, dung beetles, crabs)
66
What are Decomposers
Decomposers are heterotrophs that obtain energy and nutrients from dead organic matter. They chemically break down organic matter into simpler forms that are recycled and then taken up by a producer organisms. Include various species of fungi and bacteria
67
Why are producers and Decomposers vital for the functioning of an ecosystem
Producers and Decomposers are essential for the functioning of an ecosystem as producers capture light and make organic matter and Decomposers return organic matter to the environment as mineral nutrients
68
What are the three types of interactions within an ecosystem
- between the living community and it's abiotic surroundings - within the abiotic surroundings - within the living community
69
Biotic Environment
All the living factors that affect an organism are called the biotic environment and these shape or can be shaped by the abiotic environment
70
What is the equation for input and outputs
Inputs ----------> production and/or processing -----> Outputs
71
What are the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis
Inputs - CO2, O2, Water, Minerals Outputs - O2, CO2, Water
72
What are the inputs and outputs for cellular respiration?
Inputs - O2, Water, Food Outputs - CO2, Water
73
What are the different types of species when analysing an ecosystems?
Endemic - Native to a particular Area Exotic - Those that have come from or have been introduced from else where Indicator - a particular species that gives clues about the health of an ecosystem Keystone - a species that is crucial to the survival of an ecosystem because so many other species depend on it
74
What are the types of relationships in an Ecosystem
Intra-Specific - between members of the same species Inter- Specific - between members of different species Competition or Collarboration Predator and Prey Symbiotic - Parasitism ( 1 benefit, 1 harmed), Mutualism ( both benefit), Commenlism ( 1 benefit, other not harmed nor benefits)
75
How is energy primarily supplied
Energy is primarily supplied by radiant energy from the sun
76
Changes in an ecosystem may be due to:
• regular and predictable events, such as tides and seasons • sporadic (irregular) events, such as floods • one-off events, planned or unpredictable, such as a massive oil spill that impacts on a marine habitat
77
Autotrophs (producers)
Supply all the organic matter on which other organisms in an ecosystem depend
78
Heterotrophs(consumers)
Depend on autotrophs directly or indirectly for their energy need and supply of matter
79
Scavengers
Feed on the dead remains of other animals
80
Omnivores
Eat both animals and plants
81
How do producers use most of of their chemical energy
Producers use most chemical for cellular respiration which is lost as heat. The remainder is stored in new leaves, roots and shoots
82
How do you think the energy needs of a mammal compare to a reptile?
Mammals are homeothermic - keep their temperature within a narrow range Reptile are poikilothermic There fore more energy is need by a mammal for heat production via cellular respiration, compared to a reptile
83
What are the 5 uses of energy
``` Synthesis Growth and repair Temperature maintenance Chemical work Mechanical work ```
84
What do Food Chains Show?
Food webs show the energy transfer or energy flow in an ecosystem by specifically indicating who eats whom
85
How are food chains limited in the information they supply?
- They suggest an organism has one food source - Suggest an organism always occupies the same trophic level - May not show energy flow from dead organism
86
Food Webs
A food web provides information about the flow of energy in an ecosystem
87
Pyramid of Biomass
Represents the total amount of dry organic matter present in organisms at each tropihic level at a given time
88
What does a Pyramid of energy show
It shows the amount of energy input to each trophic level in a given area over an extended period of time
89
Productivity
is the rate at which chemical energy is produced in an ecosystem
90
Gross Primary production (GPP)
is the total chemical energy in the form of organic matter by photosynthesis
91
Net Primary Production (NPP)
amount of chemical energy available to consumers after they have used it in cellular respiration(R) NPP = GPP - R
92
Which has a lower productivity, desert ecosystem or tropical rainforest. why?
A desert ecosystem has a lower productivity than a tropical rainforest. Productivity falls when requirements for photosynthesis are in short supply (carbon dioxide, water, intensity of light, available chlorophyll) are limiting factors
93
What is the limiting factor of productivity for desert scrub ecosystems and tropical rainforest
In a desert scrub ecosystem availability of water is a limiting factor while in a tropical rainforest it is the availability of light
94
Quadrats
A frame of known dimensions used to measure populations in a given area that are fixed or do not move very much. It estimate distribution, abundance or density of populations
95
Bioaccumulation
If a chemical that enters the food chain in an ecosystem, is not readily broken down by organisms, it will accumulate and become progressively concentrated as it enters organisms at higher trophic levels
96
Population Dynamics
Population dynamics is the study of population size changes over time
97
Population
Total number of a particular species in a particular place at a given time
98
Species richness
The number of different species In a community
99
What are factors that affect species richness
- physical size of the area | - latitude (distance from the equator)
100
In what ways can a population be characterised
``` Habitat requirements Breeding season Reproductive strategy Age structure of population Distribution Abundance/ density Rate of growth ```
101
Distribution
Is the spread of members of a population over a space
102
What are the three patterns of distribution
Continuous - evenly spaced Random Distribution - irregular distribution of organism where one does not affect the location of the other Clumped or group distribution - groups make up population as a whole
103
What are reasons for measuring abundance/density
- conservation of endangered species - control or elimination of exotic pest species - track population 'explosions' of native or exotic species

Biology Unit 2 (6 decks)

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