Ecology Flashcards
Define Habitat
The Place where an organism lives and breeds
Explain Population
The Number of organisms of a single species in a habitat
Explain Community
All the population from all species in a particular area
Explain Biodiversity
A measure of the range of different species of organsims living in an area
Explain environment
The surroundings in which an organism lives
Explain Ecosystem
an area in which a community interacts with each other and their environment
Explain sampling
a process used to give a good estimate of the number or percentage of an organism in a particular area
What are biotic factors
living factors (predators like sai)
What are abiotic factors
Non Living Factors(Temperature, light , ph)
What do living things compete for
Plants= water,light,space to grow, minerals
Animals= Water,food,territory, mates
What is a Food CHain
the order in which energy passes through living organisms
What is the initial and ultimate source of energy?
Sun
What is a producer
Plant that makes food by PHOTOSYNTHESIS
What is a primary consumer
An animal that feeds on a plant
What is a secondary consumer
An Animal that feeds on a primary Consumer
What is Tertiary Consumer
Animal that feeds on Secondary consumer
What Trophic Level is a Producer?
Level 1
What Trophic Level in a Tertiary Consumer
Level 4
Explain Decomposition
Waste materials from living organisms and dead plants and animals are broken down by decomposers.
Decomposition breaks organic matter into simpler products
As the decomposers break them down, they respire and release carbon dioxide into atmosphere
Explain the decomposing action of Bacteria and Fungi
Saprophytic Bacteria secrete(release) digestive enzymes onto decaying material
These enzymes break down the decaying organic material(extracellular Digestion)
The soluble products of digestion are absorbed into he fungi and bacteria
What are the microorganisms responsible for decomposition of decayed material to form nutrients
Saprophytic (decomposing) fungi and bacteria
What does decomposition form
Humus
The part of the soil in whcih plants grow
What are the optimum conditions required for Decomposition
Adequate Moisture
Warm Temperature
Oxygen
Processes involved in Carbon Cycle
Photosynthesis
feeding
respiration
decomposition
fossillation
combustion
Explain Feeding
Animals consuming plants and carbon from the plants
How can Plants absorb Nitrogen
Plants can only absorb nitrogen in the form of Nitrates
Explain Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen gas is converted into
nitrates
.
This is carried out by nitrogen fixing bacteria.(found in root nodules)
Nitrogen fixing bacteria need oxygen as they are
aerobic
Optimum Conditions for Nitrogen Fixation
Oxygen(aerobic)
High Temperatures
Explain Decomposition in Nitrogen Cycle
Bacteria/fungi break down protein found in dead plants and animals into ammonia.
Explain Nitrification
Ammonia is converted into nitrates.
This is carried out by nitrifying bacteria.
.
Optimum Condition for Nitrification
Nitrifying bacteria needs oxygen as they are aerobic.
This process is quickened by the presence of oxygen and higher temperatures
Explain Denitrification
Nitrates are converted into nitrogen gas.This is carried out by denitrifying bacteria.
Happens in Waterlogged Soil
Conditions for Denitrification
Do not need oxygen as they are anerobic
Define Active Uptake
The movement of particles from an area of low concentration to and area of high concentration using energy from respiration
Explain How Active Uptake Occurs
Nitrates are absorbed by plants through specially adapted cells called root hair cells(by having an extended shape,increasing surface area), through process of Active Uptake, which requires energy from respiration
Plants use these nitrates to make amino acids and proteins , which are then transferred into the food chain
Define Eutrophication
Eutrophication is a type of water pollution caused by the addition of sewage or fertiliser.
Explain the Process of Eutrophication
Fertilizers run of the land into the water and increases nitrate concentration of the water
Leads to an Increase in Growth fo Aquatic Plants
When these plants die, a large population of bacteria is needed to decompose the dead plants
These bacterial use up all the oxygen as they respire aerobicall
This reduced the oxygen for fish and other aquatic animals causing them to die
