D: Biology = Changes in Living Systems 1.1 Water, an Essential Abiotic Factor Flashcards
What is a biotic factor?
A living organism in the environment
Examples include plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.
What is an abiotic factor?
A physical, non-living part of the environment
Examples include sunlight, temperature, water, and soil.
Define an ecosystem.
All the organisms in an area as well as the abiotic factors with which they interact
Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity.
True or False: The success of fishing depends solely on abiotic factors.
False
Fishing success is influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors.
Fill in the blank: If you want to catch fish, you must consider both _______ and abiotic factors.
biotic
How do flies affect fishing success?
Using flies increases the probability of anglers catching fish
Flies mimic the natural prey of fish, making them more attractive.
What factors influence how often plants need to be watered?
The particular plants being grown
Different plants have varying water needs based on their species.
What type of soil do begonias require?
Well-drained soil
Too much water can cause begonias’ roots to rot.
What is the optimal growing condition for petunias?
Moist soils and sunny locations
Petunias thrive in both moisture and sunlight.
What abiotic factors can affect plant growth?
Temperature, sunlight, soil composition
Each species has its own ideal conditions for these factors.
What approach do some gardeners take when selecting plant varieties?
They choose varieties that thrive in existing abiotic conditions
This contrasts with providing specific optimal conditions for preferred varieties.
Define habitat in the context of ecology.
All the biotic and abiotic factors present in an area that encourage the reproduction and survival of a particular organism
Habitat encompasses both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements.
True or False: Begonias prefer sunny locations.
False
Begonias prefer shade, unlike petunias.
Fill in the blank: The ideal habitat includes _______.
[abiotic and biotic factors]
These factors work together to support the survival of organisms.
What is the primary purpose of fertilizers in gardening?
To supply nutrients essential for healthy plant growth
Fertilizers are designed to enhance plant growth and development.
What can happen if fertilizers are applied incorrectly?
They can have adverse effects on plant health
The most common error is applying too much fertilizer followed by insufficient watering.
What occurs when too much fertilizer is applied without adequate watering?
The concentration of ionic compounds from the fertilizer becomes too high
These ionic compounds are often referred to as salts.
What are algae?
Microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that play a vital role in marine and freshwater ecosystems
Algae are crucial for oxygen production and serve as a food source for various aquatic organisms.
What is a harmful algal bloom?
A rapid growth of algae that can deplete the oxygen dissolved in the water and block the sunlight required by other organisms in the aquatic ecosystem
Harmful algal blooms can lead to significant ecological and economic impacts, including fish kills and the disruption of aquatic life.
Fill in the blank: Algae are _____ organisms that play a vital role in ecosystems.
photosynthetic
True or False: Harmful algal blooms can improve water quality.
False
What can be a consequence of harmful algal blooms?
Depletion of oxygen in water and blockage of sunlight
This can adversely affect aquatic life, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
Fill in the blank: Fertilizers are often _____ to promote general growth of plants but this promotes algal growth as well.
supplied
What effect do fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphates have on wheat and barley yields?
They can double the yield of wheat and barley grown in nutrient-depleted soil.
What happens when excess fertilizer runs off into local streams and lakes?
Nutrients from the fertilizer can stimulate the growth of algae, leading to a population explosion.
What are individual algae usually like before a population explosion?
They are normally invisible to the naked eye.
What do algae form during a population explosion?
They form huge colonies that appear as mats of thick, green ooze.
What is the term for the negative effects on other organisms caused by excessive algal growth?
Harmful algal bloom.
Fill in the blank: Excess fertilizer can lead to _______ in local water bodies.
[harmful algal blooms]
What is the central role of water in living systems?
Water is a precious commodity essential for life since most chemical reactions and biochemical reactions occur with water present.
What is reducing the supply of clean water?
The impact of human activities on the environment
What is the impact of a growing population on water use?
Increased demands for water use
Why is water being appreciated as a valuable resource?
It must be used wisely since it is considered like a finite resource given that we need so much of it and that fresh water is tough to come by.
What practice is being reconsidered regarding petroleum extraction?
Removal of petroleum products using fresh surface water
What happens when a well is first drilled?
Pressure within the reserve is often sufficient to bring petroleum to the surface
What occurs as the pressure in a well drops? (Context = petroleum extraction)
Pumping becomes necessary
What is oilfield injection?
Pumping water into the well to create higher pressures for petroleum extraction
What happens to water pumped into the well after it is shut down?
It remains underground permanently and is removed from the hydrological cycle
Why do some petroleum companies obtain water for oilfield injection from freshwater sources?
Due to cost considerations
Why is the use of fresh water by the petroleum industry a major concern?
It impacts residents living near petroleum fields
Fill in the blank: The natural water cycle is disrupted by the oil industry’s _______.
oilfield extraction process
