Ecology Flashcards
In ecosystems, organisms compete for…
-food
-water
-space
-light
-carbon dioxide
-mates
interdependence is…
organisms depending on each other for survival. When this happens a Community is formed.
an individual is…
a single biotic organism
a population is…
a colony of same individuals
a community is…
multiple populations that are interdependent on one another
an ecosystem is…
a combination of abiotic and biotic communities living harmoniously.
A stable community is…
one in which the size of communities remain constant over time
If a community has high ____________ is has a tendency to remain stable
biodiversity
this is because organisms are able to be dependent on a variety of species rather than a single one.
Feeding Relationships: what is the first population called and why?
the PRODUCER because it makes its own food
Feeding Relationships: What is the second population in the feeding relationship called?
primary consumer
Feeding Relationships: what is the third population in the feeding relationship called?
secondary consumer
Feeding Relationships: what is the last population in the feeding relationship called?
tertiary consumer
What do trophic levels show us?
the position of an organism in a food chain
What trophic level is a producer?
1
abiotic factors in an ecosystem are…
- light
- temperature
- moisture
- soil PH
- Co2 and O2
biotic factors in an ecosystem are…
the impact of other organisms on an ecosystem
Apex predators are…
always at the top of a food chain and have no predators.
All life is __________-based
carbon
What is carbon containing material called?
organic material
Carbon is one of the most important nutrients to be…
cycled as all living organisms contain carbon
Carbon Cycle: photosythesis
Plants take the carbon dioxide in the air and convert it to glucose which they use as their food.
6CO2 + 6H20 -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Carbon Cycle: Feeding and Digestion
Carbon in plants is taken into herbivores and omnivores
Carbon Cycle: Respiration
Animals and plants glucose for energy which releases carbon back into the air
Carbon Cycle: Decay
Decay is carried out by microorganisms called decomposers and they feed on droppings and dead organisms, carrying out respiration which produces carbon, and also the process of decay also releases carbon.
Carbon Cycle: combustion
Burning releases CO2 into the atmosphere
Biodiversity meaning….
the variety of species of organisms you have in an ecosystem
Human development and globalisation and industrialisation tends to lead to a reduced biodiversity because…
pollution, deforestation, oil spillages, Co2 emissions etc. cause species to go extinct and lead to the destruction of habitats.
Decomposition often called “rotting” is the…
process by which dead organic matter is broken down into simpler matter such as Co2, water, glucose or minerals.
Decomposition is carried out by two groups of organisms:
detrivores - small animals like worms or woodlice
decomposers - like fungi/bacteria
Factors that affect rate of decomposition: OXYGEN
The higher the concentration of oxygen, the more aerobic respiration the decomposers can carry out, hence they have more energy available, and can carry out decay faster.
Factors that affect rate of decomposition: TEMPERATURE
Particles have more internal energy and therefore more kinetic energy, therefore enzymes are closer to their optimum temperature and there is a higher rate of reaction.
Factors that affect rate of decomposition: WATER
Decomposers need water to survive
Why is Biogas Generated during decay sometimes?
Some decomposers can carry out decay without oxygen, as they respire anaerobically. Anaerobic decay produces biogas primarily made of methane.
Methane burns easily and can be used as a…
fuel.
What are biogas generators?
Large containers in which animal or plant waste is left to decay anaerobically so that they produce methane. This also leaves behind a sluggy residue dense in materials so it can be used as a fertiliser by farmers.
