Chapter 4 : Ecosystems Flashcards
Name the 5 non-living things in the environment.
- Light
- Temperature
- Soil
- Water
- Air
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a network of interactions between organisms and their environment.
Define ‘producer’
An organism that is able to create it’s own food through the process of photosynthesis.
Define ‘prey’
An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
Define ‘predator’
An animal that hunts, kills, and eats prey.
What is an invasive species?
An organism that is introduces to an environment it does not belong to.
What is a native species?
An organism that lives in it’s natural habitat.
Why would it be difficult to remove a species from an ecosystem once it’s been introduced.
It is because once a new species has adapted to the environment, they are able to reproduce really quickly. This puts the ecoystem off-balance. Due to the rapidly increasing numbers, it makes it very hard to fully get rid of them.
What is DDT?
It is a very harmful insectiside.
Suggest 3 factors a farmer might take into account when deciding which insecticide to use.
- If the insecticide is eco-friendly and does not harm the envirnment.
- The cost/price of the insecticide.
- The effectiveness of the insecticide against pests.
Define ‘bioaccumulation’
The build up of a substance in an organism’s body. It happens when a substance cannot be broken down or excreted.
Define ‘biomagnification’
The increase of the concentration of a substance as you go up a food chain.
