Definitions Flashcards
ecosystem
community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment
biotic components
abiotic components
biodiversity
the variety of life forming in a particular area
gene pool, genes with thin an ecosystem, of the ecosystems in the biosphere
environment
the surroundings or conditions in which living organisms exist
Habitat
a specific place where an organism lives and can find the resources it needs
Niche
the unique role that an organism has within its ecosystem
when organisms have the same niches from different parts of the world, they evolve similar physical characteristics so other characteristics have to be used
Biotic
anything related to living things or the influence of living organisms
Abiotic
non living factors in an ecosystem
Spatial
physical arrangement of organisms or structures in a given area
Temporal
anything related to time of events in a specific ecosystem
Biome
a large area characterized by its climate, vegetation, wildlife
Biosphere
the global ecosystem, where living organisms interact with their environment
Ecology
the study of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment
Sclerophylls, Xerophytes
plants with tough leaves that adapted to hot and dry environments
Halophytes
adapted to salty environment
Radial Symmetry
body parts are arranged around a central point, circle
Bilateral Symmetry
organism divided into two equal halves
Autotropic
organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or other processes
Heterotrophic
organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms or organic matter
Terrestrial
characteristic of the Earth or land rather than the sea or air.
Symbiosis
We’re two individuals from the same speciec interact, and at least one of them benefits
Xylem
vascular tissue that carries water and minerals from the root up to the plants.
Arthropods
a group of animals with jointed legs/foot
two common groups of plants?
Vascular & non-vascular
characteristics of an annelida
Have segmented tube-like body
Non-Vascular plant example
moss
what are Vascular plants able to do
able to grow taller because of the added support and faster nutrient transport of xylem and phloem.
Platyhelminthes are commonly
known as?
flatworms
eukaryote
type of cell with a nucleus and membrane bound organelles
binomial name
scientific two part name
genus and species
eg homo sapiens
binomial system
system of naming organisms using two parts
generic name & specific name
biological species concept
definitions of species based on wether members can interbreed
-can’t apply to extinct organisms
-hybrids
biotic factor
living factor within an ecosystem such as a plant or animal
clade
a group of organisms that share a common ancestor and all of its descendants,
classification key
took used to identify organisms based on their characteristics
dichotomous
classification systems where each branch has two options
amino acid
nitrogen containing compound that is the building block of proteins
bacteria
microscopic unicellular organisms that are prokaryotic; they don’t have nuclear membranes/membrane bound organelles
endemic
species that us native to a particular geographic region
gene
section of dna in a chromosome that encodes an instruction for a specific protein which can affect characteristics
gene pool
sum of all the genes including all of their different forms in a given population of one species
hybrid
non viable, infertile offspring that can result from the mating of two individuals from a different species
monophyletic
organisms that are grouped together as a clade (includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants)
morphological species concept
definition of a species based on physical characteristics
organelle
specialized structure within a cell that has a specific function
organism
living things that can respire to produce energy, grow, respond to stimuli, consume nutrients, reproduce, regulate their internal environment
paraphyletic
group that doesn’t include all the animals that come from the same ancestor.
photosynthesis
chemical reaction using energy from the sun to convert carbon dis ice and water into glucose and ovxygen
Phylogenetic species concept
species our group of animals that share the same common ancestor, determined through their evolutionary history
population
Group of individuals belonging to the same species living in a particular area at the same time 
Prokaryote
A simple type of cell that lacks the nucleus and membrane bond organelles
radially symmetrical
Having a circular body plan with structures that radiates out
species
A group of morphologically similar organisms that share gene pool; members of a species can introvert in natural conditions to produce for viable offspring 
Taxonomic level
A group of organisms; the major taxa are domains, kingdom, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, species
vascular tissue
a system of interconnected cells that transport water, nutrients, and other substances throughout the plant.
vertebrates
animals with a backbone
cladistics
classify organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. It groups organisms into clades on a phylogenetic tree to understand their relatedness. It helps us understand biodiversity and the connections between different species.
biosphere
The sum of all ecosystems across the world 
Collaboration
The beneficial working together of members of the same species 
Commensalism
A one-sided interaction between species from which one organism benefits, the commensal and the other does not benefit, but it is not harmed 
Community
A group of populations of different species in an ecosystem, living close enough to interact
Mutualism
symbiotic relationship, which benefits, both species in their relationship 
parasite
an organism, such as a bacteria, virus, or fungi worm that lives on or in another organism(the host)
parasitism
A relationship between two species of parasites and a house, in which the parasite, derives it’s nutrients from the host, which is harmed, not killed,, though it may sit and die overtime
Cellular respiration
Cellular respiration involves breaking down glucose and combining it with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP.
Geochemical
describes the chemical interactions that take place in crustal and subcostal reservoirs such as the deep earth and the crust 
Gross primary productivity GPP
The total organic matter in an ecosystem or specified area produced by photosynthesis
Heterotroph
an organism that cannot synthesize its own organic compounds from simple inorganic materials. It depends on other organisms for nutrients and energy requirements. 
net, primary productivity, NPP
The amount of organic matter actually available to herbivores the GPP less the energy required by the producers themselves 
Zooplankton
Zooplankton are tiny animals that drift in the water column. examples of zooplankton include copepods, krill, and jellyfish.
open ecosystem
Where there’s a flow, energy, and matter in the ecosystem and its surroundings allowing the interactions with external factors 
closed ecosystem
A self-contained ecosystem with minimal exchange of energy and matter with the outside environment
symbiotic relationship
two different species who live close to eachother and interact
keystone
not very common species, large impact on lower tropics level
matter
anything that takes up space and has mass; consist of atoms
molecular phylogenetic
The analysis of DNA, genetic sequences  example evolutionary relationships
diversity can be considered at the level of…
Species, ecosystems and genetics
physical characteristics
hair, fur, feathers, back bone, number of limbs
interspecific relationships
intraspecific
bro said exist between different species, example, dolphin, and fish
relationship that exists between members of the same species, for example, wolves interacting 
monophyletic groups
include common ancestor and all its descendants
out groups
closely related species used as reference points to compare the characteristics of group being studied
Biodiversity hotspots
An area with numerous endemic species with the large number of endangered and certain species must contain at least 1500 species of endemic vascular plants and have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation
Biodiversity hotspots
An area with numerous endemic species with the large number of endangered and certain species must contain at least 1500 species of endemic vascular plants and have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation
biome
Large scale category of ecosystem across the large geographical area
biome
Large scale category of ecosystem across the large geographical area
dominant species
The most common or abundant species in a particular ecosystem 
eco parasites 
parasites such as lice and ticks that live and feed on the external surface of their host organism
Ecology
The branch of biology that explodes the relationship between living things and their surroundings 
Community
A group of populations of different species in an ecosystem living in close proximity to interact 
Environment
The abiotic biotic factors of an area
Environment
The abiotic biotic factors of an area
habitat
an area or environment with an ecosystem where an individual of a species lives, feeds and reproduces
limiting factor
an element of the environment that restricts the survival of an organism to region 
symbiosis
A relationship between individuals of two or more species that is beneficial to at least one species 
symbiosis
A relationship between individuals of two or more species that is beneficial to at least one species 
Biochemical cycle
cycling of matter through the living components organisms and nonliving components, such as soil rocks, water, and the atmosphere of an ecosystem 
nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle etc
biogeochemical cycle
The cycling of matter through the living components organisms and nonliving components, such a soil rocks, water, and the atmosphere of an ecosystem 
biogeochemical cycle
The cycling of matter through the living components organisms and nonliving components, such a soil rocks, water, and the atmosphere of an ecosystem 
biomass
The total mass of biological matter, living or dead in a given area at a given time, it can be used as an energy source 
biomass
The total mass of biological matter, living or dead in a given area at a given time, it can be used as an energy source 
cellular respiration
A series of cellular biochemical reactions and processes that use glucose oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water energy releases to convert ADP to ATP
cellular respiration
A series of cellular biochemical reactions and processes that use glucose oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water energy releases to convert ADP to ATP
competitive exclusion principle
The theory that no two species can occupy the same ecological niece for an extended period of time 
competitive exclusion principle
The theory that no two species can occupy the same ecological niece for an extended period of time 
consumption
when a consumer feeds on a producer or another consumer, transferring matter along the food chain 
nitrogen fixation
The process which free nitrogen is fixed or combined from ammonium or nitrate ions before living things can make use of growth. All nitrogen fixing organisms are prokaryotes. 
reservoir
Living or nonliving components of a biochemical cycle that holds matter for a long time the location of cycling matter in the biosphere for example, the ocean is a reservoir for water and sedimentary rock is a reservoir for carbon in the form of fossil fuels
reservoir
Living or nonliving components of a biochemical cycle that holds matter for a long time the location of cycling matter in the biosphere for example, the ocean is a reservoir for water and sedimentary rock is a reservoir for carbon in the form of fossil fuels
abundance
how many: the number of organisms of a particular species in a population?
density
The number of individuals in a given area can use spiral mass volume for small individuals
density
The number of individuals in a given area can use spiral mass volume for small individuals
Density dependent factor
The factors whose effect on the population very depending on the density of population, the greater the density of the population and more individuals diary failed to reproduce
Density independent factor
The factors that affect all individuals in a population, regardless of population size, the impact of the factor is the same usually leading to drastic decline in population 
k selection
A type of population growth in which initial growth may be slow, but over the long-term sustainable population is maintained
k selection
A type of population growth in which initial growth may be slow, but over the long-term sustainable population is maintained
Population composition
The measurable characteristics of a population such as age, sex ratios and fertility rates
population density
The number of individuals of the same species living in the same habitat at a particular time per units area
Population dynamics
The way which population of a species change in size and structure over time
r slection
A type of population growth in which opportunistic species quickly colonize an unstable ecosystem leading to pattern of rapid population, increased and decrease their eventual replacement by competitors
Species distribution modeling
A computerized modeling method used to predict future needs and resource management 
climax community
The stable community presents at the final stage and succession. It is stable as long as an environmental factor remain unchanged. 
Pangaea
The supercontinents consisting of all earths landmasses 
pioneer plants
Plants that colonize moving into and establish a newly forming community, usually autotrophic and able to attach to a new substrate
nudation
bare rocks that allow lichen then moss to inhabit then they dissolve and make dust and then soil
primary succession
When succession begins in a virtually lifeless area where soil has not yet formed
Secondary success
A process of changing an ecosystem when a previously established communities taken over by new group of organisms occurs after natural disturbance, like fire and flood or human intervention logging land clearing
Biological control
A method of pest control in which another species is introduced that can control the population of the pest species
bottom trawling
A destructive method of fishing which involves dragging a large net across the seafloor 
Bush corridors
The strips of regenerative land between isolated habitats that reconnect subpopulations, returning habitat to populations and enabling subpopulations to interbreed 
by catch
The unwanted fish and other marine creatures trapped by commercial, fishing nets during fishing
hypoxia
amoxic
low oxygen
no oxygen 
Habitat fragmentation
occurs when some parts of the habitat of an ecosystem are separated into isolated sections. This can be result of land clearing for agricultural construction of roads, urbanization, or human activities. 
Habitat fragmentation
occurs when some parts of the habitat of an ecosystem are separated into isolated sections. This can be result of land clearing for agricultural construction of roads, urbanization, or human activities. 
Dryland salinity
The process of salts normally found under the surface of soil being transported to the soil surface by rising water table, the cause of rising water table is the removal of deep rooted native vegetation, which is replaced by agricultural crops. Salinity refers to the salt concentration if it gets too high plants will no longer grow and the soil infertile
Dryland salinity
The process of salts normally found under the surface of soil being transported to the soil surface by rising water table, the cause of rising water table is the removal of deep rooted native vegetation, which is replaced by agricultural crops. Salinity refers to the salt concentration if it gets too high plants will no longer grow and the soil infertile
urbanization
Is the extreme modification of an ecosystem by humans to support human population of gradually increasing density urban ecosystems have reduced by diversity and dominated by people there is an increasing output of gases and material wastes and they are disposing to ecosystem which internal also altered
Seed bank
A reservoir for plant genetic material, especially for species threatened with extinction. If a species became extinct seeds from the sea bank could be used to re-introduce them. 
revegetation and bush corridor
which corridor are the strips of generated land between isolated habitats that reconnect subpopulations returning habitat to populations and enabling sub populations to interbreed 
decomposer
fox scavenger-dead animals
maggot- detrivore- dead plants
fungi- decomposer- break down organic matter-> nutrient goes back into soil
decomposer
fox scavenger-dead animals
maggot- detrivore- dead plants
fungi- decomposer- break down organic matter-> nutrient goes back into soil
amino acid
building block for protein
captive breed for release
using a different animals to release into the wild to establish new populations to increase existing ones
chemical control
poison for invasive species also culling
overharversing
harvesting faster than the pupulstion can recover
salination
more salt in soil
translocation
Transport and release of animals in other location
Unsustainable use
Overuse or overharvesting of natural resources, including species at rates that exceeds the recovery rates of population resource
emigration
leaving the habitat
immigration
coming into the habitat
fire pros
-makes soil more fertile
-removed slow growing trees-> opens space for others
-heat->biotic changes bc some species regenerate from fire released seeds
-returns nutrients to soils that were trapped in plant biomass
biology
the study of living things. All living things, including us, interact with other living things and non-living things on our planet.
ecosystem supporting services
provison of habitat, nutrient cycling, primary production, soil formatation and retention , production of oxygen, water cycling
nutrient cycling importance
required for the transformation of nutrients from one form to another so that it can be readily utilised by different organisms
primary production
the conversion from light energy into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds by living organisms(autotrophs). The main source of this energy is sunlight but a minute fraction of primary production is driven by lithotrophic organisms using the chemical energy of inorganic molecules.
broad term of NPP and GPP
soil formation and retention
Soil texture, bulk density, and organic matter primarily determine the soil’s water-holding capacity.
water cycling
Liquid water evaporates into water vapor, condenses to form clouds, and precipitates back to earth in the form of rain and snow. Water in different phases moves through the atmosphere (transportation).
ecosystem regulation services
invasion resistance, herbivory, pollination, seed dispersal, climate regulation, pest regulation, disease regulation, natural hazard protection, erosion protection, water purification
more biodiversity more productivity
assimilating nutrients and solar energy, resulting in greater production of biomass.
Invasive species harm native species and the natural environment
preying on or infecting them.
competing with them for resources.
modifying and degrading habitats.
transmitting disease.
reducing native biodiversity.
disrupting ecosystem processes.
they are not native to the ecosystem and may out compete native species for resources, such as food and shelter.
Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis:
This is a more selective form of endocytosis. Specific molecules bind to receptors on the cell membrane, triggering the formation of a vesicle to bring the molecule into the cell
Classifying ecosystems using biotic features
Ecosystems are often named after the dominant species present.
classification why?
Identify and organise information about organism
Assist in the identification of invasive species
Describe by diversity and ecosystems
universal scientific communication between scientists
hierarchy of classification
domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
species
Species biodiversity
The variety of different species in an ecosystem. Different animals plants, etc. that exist in a particular area.
ecosystem biodiversity
Variety of different ecosystems or habitats on earth
Genetic biodiversity
Variety of jeans within a species, the different traits and characteristics that make individuals within a species unique
carrying capacity
the maximum population that a given area can sustain
light dependent reaction
photochemical reaction taking place in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, where light energy is transformed into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH).
trophic efficiency
how much energy is available from one level to the next within a food chain
trophic efficiency
how much energy is available from one level to the next within a food chain
ecological succession
process of change in the community composition and structure, usually towards the establishment of a stable ecosystem. It includes changes in both biotic and abiotic factors over time when stable community is established. It is known as a climax community
population dynamics
The ecological interactions (biotic and abiotic interactions) that lead to fluctuations in population size.It refers to how populations of a species change in size and structure over time. Rates of reproduction, death and migration are important factors in population dynamics
population abundance
The relative representation of a speciesin a particular ecosystem. It can be measured as either population size or density, and knowing the abundance in a sample of areas of an ecosystem can help determine population distribution. Total abundancerefers to the total number of organisms of each species present, or, the number of organisms per unit area which live in a particular part of their distribution.
population composition
Includes the characteristics of a population, such as age, sex ratios, age structure (the number of organisms for each age group), fertility rate and average number of offspring per female.
uniform distributon
organisms are evenly spaced
random distribution
organisms are spaced irregularyl
lumen- thylakoid space
the compartment where molecular oxygen is produced from water during photosynthetic light-dependent reactions.
scat drone
has a little probe attached to it for DNA analysis. It can go and look for scat samples around the island, and analyse them in real-time for us,’ says UWA Associate Professor Parwinder Kaur, who is leading the research. This initial information can then be sequenced and analysed further in the cloud with the help of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Data collected will contribute to the world-wide DNA Zoo program.
s curve popultion growth
The S-curve growth refers to a pattern where initial growth is slow, followed by a rapid increase as new skills are acquired (the sweet spot), and finally mastery is reached where work becomes easier but the curve flattens
j curve
J-curve growth refers to a graphical depiction of growth patterns when a change is induced1. It is a curve on a graph that records the situation in which, in a new environment, the population density of an organism increases rapidly in an exponential or logarithmic form, but then stops abruptly as environmental resistance or some other factor suddenly becomes effective2. The curve shows a sudden fall in the short run and then gradually starts recovering. Soon it reaches the breakeven point, after which it outperforms to reach a new high1. J curve can be defined as the j shaped growth curve that graphically represents a situation in a new environment where the population density of an organism increases at an exponential rate
survivorship curve
Survivorship curves are graphs that show the distribution of individuals in a population according to age1
Limited resources can consist of:-
Availability of resources such as water, food, sunlight, shelter -Predation-DiseaseCarrying capacity is the maximum size of a population that an ecosystem can support with its limited resources.
colonosition of a new area
When a few members of a species colonise a new and favourable habitat, their population increases rapidly. However, this population growth cannot be sustained; resources are used and the population begins to level off. Despite minor fluctuations in the size of populations, there tend to be upper and lower limits. For a given species in a particular habitat, there is a certain equilibrium population that the ecosystem can support
fire regime
Traditionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People regularly burned sections of the bush to aid hunting and stimulate new growth of plants for food. So-called ‘fire-stick farming’ greatly increased the frequency of fires in many parts of Australia and gave rise to a pattern of vegetation that became dependent on regular burning. This human intervention disrupted regular succession patterns to maintain a grassland state
Throughout much of Australia, Indigenous Australians changed the existing regime of fire induced by lightning to one of fire induced by humans, so they could manage and sustain the productivity of the land. In the process, the distribution and abundance of plant species changed, and those that were more fire-tolerant increased. This in turn produced changes in the distribution and abundance of wildlife
Technology to improve monitoring of change
Contemporary technologies such as drones and GPS can help collect data and monitor the activities of animals and animals more accurately.These technologies are currently used by different groups to restore environments. For example, the WA Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions uses these technologies to restore Dirk Hartog Island (Wirruwana) to its pre-settlement ecosystem.
impact of perscribed burning
If the prescribed burning rate is faster than the plant life cycle then plant species will start to disappear. Plants that have a juvenile period of more than 6 years, such as Banksia baueri, B. nutans and B. baxteri(all keystone, nectar-producing species) would gradually be eliminated, and species associated with late stages in the series or climax states of the ecosystem, such as tammar wallabies, quokkas and honey possums, would disappear.To protect the biodiversity of the southwestern area of WA, careful consideration of the life cycles and impacts on the plant and animal life is required. Given that projections of climate change suggest there will be more frequent and intense fires in the future, it is imperative that scientists find out the best strategy for long term protection of our unique biodiversity.
n mining and ecological restoratio
WA’s mining boom has resulted in huge economic benefit to all Australians. However, mining blasting and digging has enormously changed the landscape, devastating many habitats. Eventually government enforced restrictions on mining development and when mining sites are allowed to be established, a restoration plan is required for the surrounding ecosystems.Koolanooka Mine Site, 400 km NE of Perth is one area that is in the process of being restored. The use of research provided effective ecological restoration of vegetation communities at Koolanooka, Blue Hills and Weld Range, which have been or will be impacted by iron-ore mining. The mine aims to restore 70 per cent of the known original species diversity
Activation energy
the minimum amount of initial energy required to start a chemical reaction
Active site
the place on the surface of an enzyme molecule where substrate molecules attach
ADP (adenosine diphosphate)
a low-energy compound composed of adenine and ribose with two phosphate groups attached; it is converted to ATP for energy storage when it gains a phosphate group
Aerobic respiration
a type of cellular respiration that takes place in the cytosol and mitochondria in the presence of oxygen
Alcohol fermentation
a form of anaerobic respiration (occurring when no oxygen is present); glucose is converted to ethanol, a type of alcohol
Anabolic reactions
the reactions in living things that involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones and usually require energy to form new bonds
Anaerobic respiration
a type of cellular respiration which takes place in the cytosol in the absence of oxygen
Biochemical processes
chemical processes that occur in living cells and result in products needed by cells; most are from chains and cycles of biochemical reactions, with each step controlled by a separate, specific enzyme
Catabolic reactions
the reactions in living things that involve the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones and usually release energy from breaking bonds
Catalyst
a substance that speeds up chemical reactions without being used up in the reaction
Cellular metabolism
all of the chemical processes occurring in a living cell
Coenzyme
a small, non-protein organic substance that must be present in addition to an enzyme to catalyse a certain reaction
Cofactor
a small, inorganic substance that must be present in addition to an enzyme to catalyse a certain reaction
Denatured
(of proteins) structurally changed by factors such as pH and temperature; if the protein is an enzyme, the change destroys the shape of the active site and results in a loss of function
endergonic reaction
an energy-requiring chemical reaction
enzyme–substrate complex
a substance formed when an enzyme molecule and a substrate molecule join
Exergonic reaction
a reaction that releases energy
Glycolysis
an energy-yielding process occurring in the cell cytosol in which glucose is partially broken down to pyruvate in enzyme reactions that do not require oxygen; this first stage of cellular respiration produces two ATP molecules
Grana
a stack of thylakoid membranes in a chloroplast that contain chlorophyll
Induced-fit model
a model suggesting that the shape of an enzyme’s active site undergoes specific changes, induced by the substrate, to achieve a high degree of specificity with the substrate
Inhibitor
a substance that competes with a substrate for an enzyme’s active site
Lactic acid fermentation
a form of anaerobic respiration (occurring when no oxygen is present) that occurs in animal cells and some anaerobic bacteria; glucose is converted to lactic acid
Light-dependent stage
the first stage of photosynthesis; it requires light energy, which is absorbed by chlorophyll; water molecules split to produce oxygen and hydrogen ions, and ATP
Light-independent stage
the second stage of photosynthesis; through a series of reactions, carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions and ATP produce a carbohydrate
It contains enzymes that work with ATP and NADPH to “fix” carbon from carbon dioxide into molecules that can be used to build glucose
within stroma
Limiting factor
a factor that restricts the rate of a reaction, regardless of the level of other factors
Lock-and-key model
a model suggesting that the shape of a substrate molecule is an exact fit to the shape of an enzyme’s active site
enzymes, active side is fixed shape and due to random collisions the substrate can collide an attached to the enzyme this forms an enzyme substrate complex
Then the charged groups within the active sides are though to distort and substrate, and therefore lower the activation energy, the products are released, and the enzymes active side is empty
Metabolism
the sum of all the biochemical reactions in an organism; can be divided into two types, catabolic reactions and anabolic reactions
Phosphorylation
the process when a bond forms between an available phosphate group and ADP, producing ATP
Photosynthesis
a biochemical process that uses light energy to synthesise organic compounds; light-dependent and light-independent reactions occur at different sites in the chloroplast and make up separate parts of the overall process that can be represented as a balanced chemical equation
Product
the substance at the end of a reaction
Psychrophile
an organism that lives in extremely cold conditions
Pyruvate
a three-carbon compound that is the end product of glycolysis
Substrate
a reactant on which an enzyme acts
Thermophile
an organism that lives in high-temperature environments
Algal bloom
a rapid increase in the population of algae or other micro-organisms (such as cyanobacteria), at the surface of a water body, that blocks sunlight from entering
result of excess nutrients from fertilizer, wastewater and stormwater runoff, coinciding with lots of sunlight, warm temperatures and shallow, slow-flowing water.
Anoxic
completely devoid of oxygen
Greenhouse effect
the insulating effect of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which prevent some of the solar radiation from escaping Earth’s atmosphere; the gases trap and absorb some of the heat originating from the Sun, which keeps Earth warm
Greenhouse gases
the gases that trap heat from the Sun and keep Earth’s surface warm; they include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water and methane, and industrial chemicals such as perfluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride
Non-renewable
describes a resource with a long replacement time (usually longer than a human lifetime), which we use faster than it can be replaced; the rate of use/death is higher than the replenishing /reproductive rate; once it is used, it will take thousands or millions of years to replenish
Birth rate
the number of births in a population over a given time
Competitive exclusion principle
the theory that no two species can occupy the same ecological niche for an extended period of time
Fundamental niche
the potential role an organism could fulfil if there were no competitors, predators or parasites
Nodule
a local enlargement on the root of a plant that contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Photosynthetic efficiency
the percentage of light energy that is converted into chemical energy (i.e. carbohydrates) by a producer
Pyramid of biomass
a representation that shows the relationship between the total amount of (dry) organic matter at each trophic level in a given area of an ecosystem
Pyramid of energy
a representation that shows the rate at which energy is transferred from one trophic level to another in a given area of an ecosystem
Pyramid of numbers
a representation that shows the number of individual organisms at each trophic level in a given area of an ecosystem
Realised niche
the actual ecological niche a species inhabits
Resource partitioning
the divided use of resources that allows a number of species to coexist in an ecosystem
Weathering
the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals into smaller particles due to rain, ice, acid or salt
Association
a relationship or interaction between two or more species
Coevolve
simultaneously evolve adaptive features in two different species that place selective pressures on each other
How is ADP formed
ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) is formed from ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) through the process of hydrolysis, where one of the phosphate groups is removed12. When ATP loses a phosphate group, it becomes ADP, releasing energy12. ADP can then be phosphorylated again to become ATP1. This cycling between ADP and ATP provides cells with the energy needed for cellular activities
cell requirements
energy (light/chemical) in complex molecules and matter, including gases, simple nutrients, ions and removal of wastes to survive
ions (to keep concentration gradients), oxygen and various nutrients (such as glucose).
light energy
used to make organic compouns which are then used for energy in photosynthetic organisms. all others must obtain organic compounds from other sources
composition of organisms
Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen
the cell theory
- cells are the fundamental units of life
- organisms are compromised of cells and cell products
- all cells originate from pre-existing cells(division of pre-existing cells. This concept, known as cell division or cell reproduction)
carbohydtare
synthesis process
protein
Amino Acids: There are 20 different amino acids, each with a unique side chain. They are the monomers of proteins.
Peptide Bond Formation: During protein synthesis, amino acids are linked by peptide bonds through dehydration synthesis. This occurs in ribosomes during translation, where messenger RNA (mRNA) dictates the sequence of amino acids.
Folding and Modification: Once synthesized, polypeptides fold into specific three-dimensional shapes, driven by interactions between amino acid side chains. Post-translational modifications can also occur, such as phosphorylation or glycosylation, which can alter protein function.
Biological Importance:
Functionality: Proteins serve as enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and structural components (e.g., collagen in connective tissues).
Catalysis: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, increasing reaction rates and enabling metabolic processes.
technology advances in classification
why species can’t share same niche
they compete for exactly the same resources, so one will drive the other to extinction
green algae
a hanged cell wall from ancestors
green algae
a hanged cell wall from ancestors
energy & matter in crlls
cells are live in components of organisms that have in and out parts of energy and matter
All cells need energy to perform chemical reactions (like atp)
large organic molecules store..
Chemical potential energy
importance of knowing structure of biomolecules
understanding functions and how it interacts with other molecules
disease understanding
evolutionary studies
dna in bacteria
Single circular chromosome lies in direct contact with cytoplasm and carries instructions for making different protein types, which are synthesized in the ribosome
exocytsos
Exocytosis is the process by which cells transport large molecules out of the cell using vesicles. Here’s how it works, starting from the large vacuole:
- Vesicle Formation: Inside the cell, materials that need to be exported are packaged into a vesicle. In plant cells, this often involves a large vacuole that contains the substances.
- Vesicle Transport: The vesicle moves toward the cell membrane. This movement is facilitated by the cytoskeleton, which acts like a railway system within the cell.
- Vesicle Fusion: Once the vesicle reaches the cell membrane, it fuses with the membrane. This is mediated by specific proteins that help the vesicle and membrane to merge.
- Release of Contents: After fusion, the contents of the vesicle are released outside the cell. The membrane of the vesicle becomes part of the cell membrane, allowing the materials to exit.
- Membrane Recycling: The cell membrane may then recover and reform, ready for more vesicle fusion in future exocytosis events.
This process is essential for various cellular functions, including the secretion of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other important molecules.
where are enzymes found
Enzymes are found in various locations within a cell and in different organisms. Here are some key places where enzymes can be found:
- Cytoplasm: Many enzymes that facilitate metabolic reactions are located in the cytoplasm of the cell.
- Organelles: Specific enzymes are found in organelles, such as:
- Mitochondria: Enzymes involved in cellular respiration.
- Chloroplasts: Enzymes that play a role in photosynthesis.
- Lysosomes: Digestive enzymes that break down waste materials.
- Cell Membrane: Some enzymes are embedded in the cell membrane and are involved in processes like signal transduction.
- Extracellular Space: Enzymes can also be secreted outside the cell, where they perform functions such as digestion or breaking down extracellular matrix components.
Overall, enzymes are essential for facilitating biochemical reactions throughout various parts of living organisms.
