D: Biology = Changes in Living Systems 1.2 Biotic Factors = the Influence of Living Things Flashcards
What was the estimated population of bison that roamed the grasslands of North America?
From 30 to 60 million bison
This population existed until about 200 years ago.
In terms of biomass production, how does prairie grassland compare to technologically advanced wheat fields?
One hectare of prairie grassland produces more biomass each year than one hectare of the most technologically advanced wheat field
This highlights the ecological productivity of natural grasslands.
What role did prairie dogs play in the success of bison on Alberta’s grasslands?
Prairie dogs are suspected of playing a key role in the success of bison
Their interactions within the ecosystem contribute to the health of the grasslands.
What is the definition of biomass?
The dry mass of all the living organisms occupying a habitat
Biomass is a critical measure of ecological productivity.
Define ecology.
The study of the interactions of living organisms with one another and with their physical environment
Ecology encompasses both biotic and abiotic factors.
Fill in the blank: An ecosystem includes not only all the organisms but also all the _______ from an area.
abiotic factors
This includes elements like soil, water, and climate.
How did the prairie environment contribute to the bison’s adaptation?
Bison were perfectly matched to the prairie landscape due to their adaptations to the ecosystem
These adaptations include their grazing habits and physical characteristics.
True or False: Bison were the least numerous grazing animals on the planet before their decline.
False
They were, in fact, the most numerous grazing animals until about 200 years ago.
What is the significance of the relationship between prairie dogs and bison?
It illustrates the interconnectedness of species within the prairie ecosystem
Their relationship underscores the complexity of ecological interactions.
What was the estimated population of bison that roamed the grasslands of North America?
From 30 to 60 million bison
This population existed until about 200 years ago.
In terms of biomass production, how does prairie grassland compare to technologically advanced wheat fields?
One hectare of prairie grassland produces more biomass each year than one hectare of the most technologically advanced wheat field
This highlights the ecological productivity of natural grasslands.
What role did prairie dogs play in the success of bison on Alberta’s grasslands?
Prairie dogs are suspected of playing a key role in the success of bison
Their interactions within the ecosystem contribute to the health of the grasslands.
What is the definition of biomass?
The dry mass of all the living organisms occupying a habitat
Biomass is a critical measure of ecological productivity.
Define ecology.
The study of the interactions of living organisms with one another and with their physical environment
Ecology encompasses both biotic and abiotic factors.
Fill in the blank: An ecosystem includes not only all the organisms but also all the _______ from an area.
abiotic factors
This includes elements like soil, water, and climate.
How did the prairie environment contribute to the bison’s adaptation?
Bison were perfectly matched to the prairie landscape due to their adaptations to the ecosystem
These adaptations include their grazing habits and physical characteristics.
True or False: Bison were the least numerous grazing animals on the planet before their decline.
False
They were, in fact, the most numerous grazing animals until about 200 years ago.
What is the significance of the relationship between prairie dogs and bison?
It illustrates the interconnectedness of species within the prairie ecosystem
Their relationship underscores the complexity of ecological interactions.
What is a population in ecological terms?
A group of organisms, all of the same species, which interbreed and live in the same area at the same time.
What role did the bison population play in Alberta’s prairie landscapes?
The bison population played a central role in the lives of people who inhabited Alberta’s prairie landscapes.
What supported the bison population in the prairie ecosystem?
The very grasses that comprised the landscape supported the bison population.
How many plant species are typically found in prairie grassland?
More than 100 plant species.
What type of plants predominantly make up prairie grasslands?
Most of these plants are perennials with extensive root systems.
True or False: Natural prairie grassland is common in western Canada.
False
What is the status of natural prairie grassland in western Canada?
Natural prairie grassland is not so common anymore in western Canada.
How deep can the roots of some prairie grasses extend?
The roots of some prairie grasses can extend 3 m to 4 m deep into the soil.
What role do prairie grass roots play in soil protection?
They bind the soil tightly to the earth and protect it from erosion.
If connected end to end, how far would the roots found in a square metre of prairie soil just 10 cm deep stretch?
Over 30 km.
What type of plants primarily make up prairie grasslands?
Most of these plants are perennials.
How do the root systems of prairie plants compare to the soil surface?
They have extensive root systems that extend far below the surface.
What is notable about the soil that supports prairie plants?
It is regarded as among the deepest, most productive, and most fertile soil on the entire planet.
What surprising fact is mentioned about the biomass of organisms in prairie soil?
The tiny organisms living in the soil beneath the grassland’s surface have a larger total biomass than the larger animals that live above ground.
What is the status of natural prairie grassland in western Canada?
Natural prairie grassland is not so common anymore in western Canada.
How deep can the roots of some prairie grasses extend?
The roots of some prairie grasses can extend 3 m to 4 m deep into the soil.
What role do prairie grass roots play in soil protection?
They bind the soil tightly to the earth and protect it from erosion.
If connected end to end, how far would the roots found in a square metre of prairie soil just 10 cm deep stretch?
Over 30 km.
What type of plants primarily make up prairie grasslands?
Most of these plants are perennials.
How do the root systems of prairie plants compare to the soil surface?
They have extensive root systems that extend far below the surface.
What is notable about the soil that supports prairie plants?
It is regarded as among the deepest, most productive, and most fertile soil on the entire planet.
