Ecology Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
All the organisms living in a habitat and the non-living parts of the habitat
What is an individual?
A single member of a species
What is a population?
Individuals of the same species in the same area @ the same time
What is a community?
Multiple populations living and interacting in the same area
What is an ecosystem?
Interaction between a community and the non-living parts of an environment
What is intraspecific competition?
Competition between members of the same species
What is interspecific competition?
Competition between members of different species
Why does competition occur?
A group of organisms may need the same resource (with a limited amount available) in order to survive so they are competing for the resource
What may plants compete for?
- light
-space - water
- mineral ions
Why may plants fight for light?
It is required for photosynthesis to produce energy
Why may plants compete for space?
So that leaves can absorb maximum sunlight (above soil)
And so that roots can absorb water and minerals (below soil)
Why may plants compete for water?
It’s essential for photosynthesis and plant growth
Why may plants compete for mineral ions?
Plants require many mineral ions which are found in the soil
What may animals compete for?
- food
- mates
- territory
Why may animals compete for food?
It provides energy needed for growth and reproduction
Why may animals compete for mates?
They are required for reproduction and passing on their genes
Why may animals compete for territory?
They want an area that provides resources like water, food, shelter and mates
What is interdependence?
In a community each species depends on another for food, shelter, pollination etc.
One species being removed can affect the whole community
What is a stable community?
All of the species + environmental factors are in balance so that population sizes remain fairly constant
How does temperature effect distribution of species in an ecosystem?
Organisms are adapted to survive within a certain temperature range. As the temps ride, the distribution of species changes
How does the availability of water effect the distribution of species within an ecosystem?
All organisms require water to survive either directly or indirectly. If no water in an area, organisms will move
How does the composition of atmospheric gases affect the distribution of species within an ecosystem?
Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration
Some aquatic animals can only survive in water with high oxygen concentration
Some species are very sensitive to air pollution
Biodiversity
The variety of different species of organisms on Earth
What does high biodiversity ensure…
The stability of ecosystems as there are more food sources
What human activities reduce biodiversity?
- producing waste (toxic chemicals in soil)
- deforestation (destroying habitats that contain high biodiversity)
- global warming (disruption of ecosystems, more frequent extreme weather events)
Ways of maintaining biodiversity:
- breeding programmes for endangered animals
- protection + regeneration of rare habitats
- recycling resources instead of dumping
- reduction of deforestation
What is a producer?
An organism that makes its own food
What are primary consumers?
Organisms that eat the producers
What are secondary consumers?
Organisms that eat the primary consumers
What are the tertiary consumers?
Organisms that eat the secondary consumers
What is decomposition?
When dead material from dead organisms or their waste products is broken down by decomposers
