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LC biology (sophie) > Ecology > Flashcards

Ecology Flashcards

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AP® Biology flashcards Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

What is ecology?

A

The study of how living things interact with each other and their abiotic environment.

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2
Q

What is an ecosystem?

A

A community of organisms and their interactions with their environment.

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3
Q

What is the biosphere?

A

The part of the earth that supports life.

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4
Q

Define habitat.

A

The place where a species lives.

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5
Q

What is a niche

A

The functional role of an organism in an ecosystem.

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6
Q

What is an abiotic factor?

A

A non-living factor that influences a community.

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7
Q

What is a biotic factor?

A

A living factor that influences a community.

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8
Q

Define community in an ecological context.

A

A number of different species interacting with each other in an ecosystem.

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9
Q

What is a population?

A

A group of individuals of the same species.

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10
Q

Give examples of abiotic environmental factors.

A

Rainfall, temperature, wind, soil, sunlight, aspect/orientation.

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11
Q

What is an edaphic factor?

A

Factors related to soil, such as soil pH and temperature.

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12
Q

How is light intensity measured?

A

Using a light meter, measured in lux.

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13
Q

How is wind speed measured?

A

Using an anemometer.

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14
Q

What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?

A

The sun.

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15
Q

What is a food chain?

A

The way energy flows from one organism to another through feeding.

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16
Q

What are producers?

A

Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants.

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17
Q

Define primary consumer.

A

Organisms that feed on producers.

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18
Q

Define secondary consumer.

A

Organisms that feed on primary consumers.

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19
Q

What is a trophic level?

A

The position an organism occupies in a food chain.

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20
Q

What are limitations of pyramids of numbers?

A

They don’t consider organism size, can vary seasonally, and don’t account for migration patterns or accurate scaling.

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21
Q

What is competition in ecology?

A

The struggle between organisms for the same limited resource.

22
Q

What are two types of competition

A

Contest competition (physical confrontation) and scramble competition (sharing of resources).

23
Q

Define predation.

A

The act of one animal (predator) hunting, capturing, and killing another animal (prey) for food.

24
Q

Give an example of a predator and its adaptation.

A

An owl, adapted with nocturnal hunting, silent flight, and excellent eyesight.

25
Q

Give an example of prey and its adaptation.

A

A woodmouse, adapted with camouflage, small size, and large ears for hearing.

26
Q

How do predators stabilize the community?

A

By controlling prey numbers, preventing overgrazing, and eliminating weaker prey.

27
Q

What factors contribute to predator-prey relationships?

A

Availability of food, concealment, and movements of predators.

28
Q

What is symbiosis?

A

A close relationship between two different species in which at least one benefits.

29
Q

What is parasitism?

A

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed.

30
Q

What is mutualism?

A

A relationship where both organisms benefit, such as bacteria in the colon producing vitamins for the body.

31
Q

Give an example of mutualism in nitrogen fixation.

A

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in leguminous plant nodules provide nitrogen compounds to the plant, while the plant provides carbohydrates and food material for the bacteria.

32
Q

What is commensalism?

A

A relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is unaffected.

33
Q

A relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is unaffected.

A

The exchange of elements between living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem, ensuring that elements are reused and don’t run out.

34
Q

Why is nutrient recycling important?

A

It prevents a long-term drain on the earth’s nutrients, even after millions of years of activity by plants and humans.

35
Q

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

A

They convert nitrogen in the air into nitrates in the soil.

36
Q

How do plants contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

A

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil and produce plant proteins.

37
Q

How do animals contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

A

Animals eat plant proteins and convert them into animal proteins.

38
Q

What is the role of bacteria and fungi of decay in the nitrogen cycle?

A

They break down plant and animal proteins into ammonia when the organisms die.

39
Q

What do nitrifying bacteria do in the nitrogen cycle?

A

They convert ammonia into nitrates in the soil.

40
Q

What is the role of denitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

A

They convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas.

41
Q

What role do microorganisms play in decomposition?

A

Bacteria and fungi break down organic matter in dead organisms, such as in a compost heap.

42
Q

Name four factors that affect human population growth.

A

Famine, disease, war, and contraception.

43
Q

What is pollution?

A

The harmful addition of substances (pollutants) to the environment by humans.

44
Q

What pollutant can affect agricultural areas and how?

A

Slurry and fertilizers can wash into water sources, causing eutrophication and algal blooms, leading to oxygen depletion and fish deaths.

45
Q

What are CFCs and how do they impact the environment?

A

CFCs, found in spray cans and refrigerators, deplete the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV radiation.

46
Q

What has replaced CFCs, and why are they better?

A

HFCs have replaced CFCs because they break down faster and don’t reach the ozone layer.

47
Q

What is conservation?

A

The protection and wise management of the environment or organisms.

48
Q

What is a benefit of conservation?

A

Conservation helps maintain existing environments and preserve endangered species.

49
Q

How has fishing net mesh size been improved for conservation?

A

Larger square-shaped mesh holes prevent baby fish from being caught, allowing fish populations to recover.

50
Q

What is waste management?

A

The collection, processing, and disposal of human-produced waste to reduce its impact on health and the environment.

51
Q

Name three waste management strategies.

A

Reduce, reuse, and recycle.

52
Q

Give an example of a waste management method.

A

Using a compost heap to recycle organic waste.

LC biology (sophie) (12 decks)

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