Chapter 1: Introduction Flashcards
Define: Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the abundance and distribution of organisms in relation to other organisms and environmental conditions.
Define: Ecological systems
Biological entities that have their own internal processes and interact with their external surroundings.
True or False
Ecological systems exist at many different levels.
True, they may exist ranging from an individual organism to the entire globe.
An ecological system might be…
-an individual
-a population
-entire biosphere
True or False
Different types of ecological systems can exist in hierarchy.
Each ecological system is a subset of a larger one.
Ecological system hierarchy
Biosphere > Ecosystem > Community > Population > Individual
Define: Individuals
A living being, the most fundamental unit of ecology.
Every individual has…
…a membrane or other covering across which it exchanges energy and materials with its environment. This boundary separates the internal processes and structures of the ecological system from the external environment, processes and conditions.
When an individual acquires energy and and detoxifies waste products,
this process alters the conditions of the environment and affects the resources available for other organisms.
Define: Species
Historically, species was defined as a group of organisms that naturally interbreed with each other and produce fertile offspring.
Current research demonstrates that no single definition can be applied to all organisms.
True or False
Reproductive isolation can be used to draw the line between species.
False
Distinct species can interbreed.
Define: Population
Individuals of the same species living in a particular area.
Populations have 5 distinct properties that are not exhibited by individuals:
- Geographic range
- Abundance
- Density
- Change in size (growth)
- Composition
Define: Geographic range
Also known as distribution
The extend of land or water within which a population lives.
Define: Abundance
Total number of individuals in a population.
Define: Density
Density of a population is the number of individuals per unit of area.
Define: Change in size/growth
Increases and decreases in the number of individuals in an area.
Define: Composition
The composition of a population describes the genetic makeup of the population in terms of gender, age or genetics.
Define: Community
All populations of species living together in a particular area.
True or False
A type of species eating another type of species is an example of how populations in communities interact.
True
True or False
Boundaries for defining a community is non-negotiable.
False
In Banff National Park the higher forest trees can be a distinct community from the lower forest trees (different species) - even though they are in the same park.
Define: Ecosystem
One or more communities of living organisms interacting with their non-living physical and chemical environments.
What do scientists focus on when analyzing at the ecosystem level?
Movement of energy (Sun, photosynthesis) and physical matter (C, O, N, Ph) between physical and biological components of the ecosystem.
Distinguish between Herbivores, Carnivores, and Detritivores.
Herbivores: Animals that eat plants
Carnivores: Animals that eat each other
Detritivores: Themselves can be consumed by other animals.
Explain “flow of matter”
The movement among elements such as Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon among pools on Earth.
Explain the “cycling of nutrients”
Nutrients in the soil are consumed by animals.
Nutrients exist in animal tissues and extra is excreted as waste.
When the animal dies the nutrients return to the soil.
True or False
The boundaries of ecosystems are always distinct.
False
Ecosystems can be distinguished by the relative isolation with respect to flows of matter and energy - however only a few ecosystems are actually isolated in reality.
Define: Biosphere
All of the ecosystems on Earth; which are linked together by movements of air, water, and organisms.
The biosphere holds all materials that is had ever had, and retains whatever waste materials we generate.
How are distant ecosystems connected to form the biosphere?
By exchanges of energy and nutrients carried by currents of water and wind; and by the movements of organisms, such as migrating birds, whales, and fish.
What are the two exceptions of the biosphere transformations being internal?
- Energy that enters from the Sun
- Energy that is lost to space
