ecology Flashcards
Describe the carbon cycle.
Plants absorb atmospheric carbon when performing photosynthesis the carbon then becomes part of the plant and when the plant dies it is released as organic carbon into the soil. When animals die organic carbon is released into the soil. Plant and animal respiration and the burning of oil releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Describe the nitrogen cycle.
Plants absorb nitrogen from the soil and release it into the air as atmospheric nitrogen. It then comes down as precipitation and is turned into useable nitrogen by nitrogen fixing bacteria in the soil. Animal waste containing nitrogen also enters the soil where it is broken down so it can be absorbed.
What is parasitism?
A relationship where one organism benefits and one organism is negatively affected.
What is commensalism?
A relationship where one organism benefits and one organism has no effect.
What is mutualism?
A relationship where both organisms benefit.
What is the nitrogen cycle?
the movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere
What is the carbon cycle?
The movement of carbon between the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and oceans.
What is a niche?
an animal’s role in society
What is transporation?
When water evaporates from plant’s leaves in the hydrologic cycle
What is the ten percent rule?
Each time you move up the food pyramid you multiply 10% times the amount of organisms.
What is respiration?
how organisms turn food into useable energy
What is photosynthesis?
how plants make food
What is the difference between food chains and food webs?
food chain- single transfer of energy
food web- multiple transfers of energy
Wha is trophic level one in a food chain?
the producer
What is intraspecific competition?
competition between organisms of the same species
