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Biology > Ecological Systems > Flashcards

Ecological Systems Flashcards

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AP® Biology flashcards Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

what is predation?

A

Predation involves the members of one species (predator) capturing and consuming members of another species.

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2
Q

how does a predator-prey relationship work?

A

In a predator-prey relationship, the population numbers of predator and prey are constantly fluctuating out of step with each other.

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3
Q

what is competition?

A

Competition is when organisms strive for the same resources at the same time in the same place.

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4
Q

intraspecific competition

A

competition that occurs between individuals of the same species for limited resources (ex. vulture)

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5
Q

interspecific competition

A

competition between individualsof different species that occupy the same habitat and rely on similar resources (ex. cheetah and lion competing for zebra)

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6
Q

what is symbiosis?

A

Symbiosis refers to types of close relationships between organisms of different species.

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7
Q

what is mutualism?

A

both organisms benefit
ex. coral polyps and zooxanthellae

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8
Q

what is commensalism?

A

between 2 different species in which one species benefits while the other is unaffected
ex. remora and shark

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9
Q

what is parasitism?

A

parasite lives on, or in, another (host)
the parasite benefits while the host suffers
ex. flatworms feeding on polyps

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10
Q

what is ammensalism?

A

A type of relationship in which one species is harmed, while the other is neither harmed nor doesn’t benefit.

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11
Q

what is altruism?

A

A type of relationship in which individuals within a particular species behave in such a way that the chance of survival of other members is increased while decreasing the chances of the individuals making the sacrifice.

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12
Q

abiotic factors

A

• Atmospheric gases
• Wind
• Fire
• Solar radiation
• Temperature
• Relative humidity
• Day length
• Aspect
• Soil water and chemistry
• Soil parent rock
• Salinity
• Wave action

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13
Q

biotic factors

A

• Humans
• Competitors
• Predators
• Parasites

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14
Q

what is equilibrium?

A

steady state of an ecosystem where all the organisms are in balance with each other and with their environment.

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15
Q

parameters used to measure changes in ecosystem

A

resistance
resillience

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16
Q

what is resistance?

A

ability of an ecosystem to remain at equilibrium in spite of disturbances

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17
Q

what is resillience?

A

speed at which an ecosystem recovers its equilibrium after a disturbance

18
Q

relationship between biodiversity and dynamics

A

The greater the biodiversity of an ecosystem, the greater its resistance to disurbances and also the greater its resillience after disturbances. Such an ecosystem is more stable.
However, the nature of an ecosystem may change to such a degree that it loses its resillience altogether. This can lead to irreversible altering of the ecosystem.

19
Q

what is ecosystem dynamics

A

the study of changes in ecosystem structure caused by changes in the environment or by internal forces

20
Q

what determines ecosystem stability?

A

resistance to change, deterioration, or depletion
- the ability of an ecosystem to return to its original state after a disturbance
- the fluctuation of numbers with a balance being restored over time.

21
Q

what is biodiversity?

A

the sum of all the different ecosystems on earth, the various species found in each, and the variable genotypes

22
Q

what is genetic diversity?

A

Refers to the variety of combinations of genes found in organisms

23
Q

relationship between genetic diversity and stability

A

With greater genetic diversity, there is more variations in physical characteristics, viability, productivity, resillience to stress adaptability to stress in the environment

With very little genetic variation, offspring have reduced chance of survival, with changes in the environment, since they may be susceptible

24
Q

what is species diversity?

A

number and relative abundance of each species in a community.

25
Q

what is richness?

A

the number of species

26
Q

what is abundance?

A

the number of individuals of each species present

27
Q

what is evenness?

A

similarities of the population sizes of each species present

28
Q

what is disparity?

A

differences in form and structure, shape and morphology between species

29
Q

what is species disparity?

A

how different the species are in terms of their morphology, form and structure

30
Q

relationship between species disparity and stability of an ecosystem

A

The greater the species disparity, the more ecological niches can be occupied and the greater the number of interactions among the organisms in an ecosystem at different trophic levels. Hence, the more likely such an ecosystem is regarded as a stable one.

31
Q

what is ecosystem diversity?

A

Refers to all of the unique and varied habitats, processes, as well as variations within individual ecosystems on the planet

32
Q

examples of ecosystems

A

wetlands
reefs
savannahs
tropical rainforests
deserts
temperate forests
grasslands

33
Q

what features does ecosystem diversity focus on?

A

Includes variation in ecological niches, trophic levels and ecological interactions among organisms

→ Examines how they affect each other, as well as the roles the ecosystems play on our planet (ex. Water cycle, formation of soils, etc.)

34
Q

importance of maintaining diversity

A

To maintain the complexity of ecosystems so that they will be more stable

To ensure that our water resources are protected and that nutrients continue to be cycled in nature (ex.nitrogen)

Ensures that our soils are protected and that soil formation continues

Ensures that the breakdown of dead bodies to release nutrients occurs, as well as the removal of pollutants from the environment, helping to make the environment safe for all

Important to maintain the balance between gasses (ex. Oxygen and carbon dioxide)

Stabilization of climate since plants play an important role in reducing the greenhouse effect

For medical research into cures for the present and in the future

To maintain a food supply in the present and in the future

Humans are custodians of all life on our planet and we depend on the other species directly and indirectly; hence it is important that we ensure that biodiversity, in all its forms, is maintained

35
Q

threats to biodiversity

A

Climate change → global warming

Clearing of vegetation on slopes → soil erosion, flooding, destruction of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity

Quarrying → loss of vegetation, permanent destruction of habitats and loss of biodiversity

Pollution (oil spills)
Introduction of exotic species → disrupts ecosystems, upsets the balance of numbers, and competing with native species for food resources, as well as introducing pathogens and pests which can destroy populations of species

Hunting of species indiscriminately/ out of season → disrupts ecosystems → endangers particular species → extinction

36
Q

what is conversation?

A

the active preservation of the diversity of life by various means

37
Q

types of conservation

A

in situ
ex situ

38
Q

what is in situ conservation

A

Conservation of organisms in their natural habitat. They are maintained and efforts are made to ensure that populations recover if they were threatened

39
Q

examples of in situ conservation

A

national reserves
national parks

40
Q

advantages of in situ conservation

A

Less expensive to leave organisms in their natural habitats

The natural habitat and vegetation are not going to be disturbed

Organisms are not going to become tame or change their behavior

Organisms learn to cope with competition in situ and to interact with each other

More likely to mate and successfully reproduce in situ

Organisms are already adapted for survival in their natural environment

Organisms continue to evolve, enabling adaptation in a changing environment in situ]

41
Q

disadvantages of in situ conservation

A

Cost of hiring game wardens and security to monitor and protect the natural habitat is very high

Size of area which has to be protected may be very large and difficult to patrol

Natural disasters may destroy entire ecosystems

Difficult to treat organisms affected by disease in a large area

42
Q

how is a national park in situ conservation?

A

National parks ensure that organisms are in their natural environment. Visitors can enter for education, tourism recreation, inspiration so long as they do not pose a threat.

Biology (5 decks)

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