Ecology Flashcards
When levels of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere increase what does that contribute to
Global warming
How do humans reduce the amount of land available for other animals and plants
By building, quarrying, farming and dumping waste
Pollution kills plants and animals which reduces what
Biodiversity
How can pollution occur
In water (Sewage, fertilizer or toxic chemicals)
In air (Smoke and acidic gases)
On land (Landfill and toxic chemicals)
What is biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of all the different species of organisms on earth or within the ecosystem
Define habitat
The habitat is the environment in which an organism lives in
Define population
A population is the total number of organisms of the same species living in the same geographical area
Define a community
A community is the populations of all the different species that live in the same habitat
What does the word biotic mean
Living
What does the word abiotic mean
Nonliving
Define an ecosystem
Ecosystem is both the biotic and abiotic parts of an environment and how they interact
What do plants compete for
Water and mineral ions in the soil
light and for space 
What do animals compete for
Food and water
Mating partners and territory
What do organisms require to survive and reproduce
A supply of materials from their surroundings and from their living organisms
Within a community what does each species depend on
On other species for food, shelter, pollination
Describe interdependence 
All of the different species in a community depend on each other if one species is removed it’s gonna affect the whole community.
Define a stable community
A stable community is where all species and environmental factors are in balance so that the population sizes remain fairly constant
What are the four biotic factors which can affect the community
Availability of food
new predators arriving
new pathogens
one species outcompeting another so the numbers are no longer significance to the breed and may become extinct
What are the seven abiotic factors which can affect a community
Light intensity
temperature
moisture levels
soil pH and mineral contains
wind intensity and direction
carbon dioxide levels for plants
oxygen levels for animals 
What is extremophiles
Organisms that are adapted to live in extreme conditions For example high temperature, pressure or salt concentration