Ecology Flashcards
State the definition of biodiversity
A measure of the number of species living in an area
State the definition of population
The number of organisms of the same species living in an area
State the definition of habitat
Where a population lives
State the definition of environment
An organisms surroundings. It contains factors that influence the organism. These factors can be divided into abiotic and biotic factors.
State the definition of Abiotic
Non living factors
State the definition of Biotic
Living factors
State the definition of community
Several populations of different species living in habitats close together
State the definition of ecosystem
An area where a community of organisms live and are affected by a range of environmental factors.
What is a quadrat?
A square frame used to take random samples of a large area.
How do you take a sample with a quadrat?
Place the quadrat in a random area and count individual organisms or their % cover.
How would you undergo random sampling with a quadrat?
Divide that area to be sampled into a grid
Use random random numbers to generate coordinates
Place a quadrat at each coordinate
Count the number of organisms inside the quadrat
Use a key to identify the species
Record results in a table
Calculate the average of each species
How would you Perform a belt transect with a quadrat
Extend a measuring tape from one side of the habitat to another
Place a quadrat at 0m on the tape
Count the number of each species
Use a key to identify the species
Record results in a table
Move the quadrat along the measuring tape
Repeat step 3 to five at regular intervals along the measuring tape until the full length has been sampled.
Calculate the average of each species
List some abiotic factors.
Wind speed (anemometer)
Soil moisture levels (wet mass-dry mass)
Light intensities (light metre)
Temperature (thermometer)
pH (test kits or probes)
List some biotic factors
Competition
What is the original source of energy for all organisms on earth?
The sun.
Where do plants fall on the food chain.
Producers.
Where do animals fall on the food chain?
Consumers
What is a food chain
A diagram to show a specific feeding sequence (flow of energy)
What is a food web
A number of food chains interlinked
How much energy travels up each trophic level?
10-20
Describe some reasons why energy is lost
Not the whole organism being eaten
Not all food being digested
Energy being lost as heat in respiration
What is a pyramid of numbers?
Shows the number of organisms at each trophic level
What is a more reliable alternative to a pyramid of numbers?
Pyramid of biomass
List some decomposers
Saprophytic fungi and bacteria
