Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

sarah's biology class > ecology > Flashcards

ecology Flashcards

1
Q

resources plants compete for

A

space

minerals

light

water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

The levels of organisation in an ecosystem

A

The levels of organisation in an ecosystem

Individual organisms
Smallest part

Populations
Groups of organisms that make up species

Communities
Populations of different species

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

An ecosystem is made up of living organisms (_____) and non-living (_______) parts.

A

An ecosystem is made up of living organisms (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Animals compete with other animals for:

A

food

mates

territory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

species might depend on another species for

A

species might depend on another species for

seed dispersal

pollination

shelter

food

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Why may removing one species from an ecosystem make it unstable?

A

Why may removing one species from an ecosystem make it unstable?

There is interdependence between different species.

This means that one species may rely on another species for services such as food, shelter, pollination, and seed dispersal.

Removing one species from an ecosystem could remove a key predator or prey.

This would either increase or reduce population sizes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

A community is stable when all the species and environmental factors are ________.

A

A community is stable when all the species and environmental factors are balanced.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

___________ display the feeding relationships within a community.

A

Food chains display the feeding relationships within a community.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Which of these is a classic example of predator-prey dynamics?

A

Which of these is a classic example of predator-prey dynamics?

Canada lynx and snowshoe hare

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Food chains nearly always begin with a producer that makes its own food. This is usually a green plant or ______ that can photosynthesise.

A

Food chains nearly always begin with a producer that makes its own food. This is usually a green plant or algae that can photosynthesise.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

The trophic levels are:

A

The trophic levels are:

1
Producer
2
Primary consumer
3
Secondary consumer
4
Tertiary consumer
5
Apex predator
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what word best describes the nature of predator-prey dynamics in stable communities?

A

what word best describes the nature of predator-prey dynamics in stable communities?

cyclic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Examples of Environmental Changes That Affect Species

A

Examples of Environmental Changes That Affect Species

Temperature

Water

Atmospheric gases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

People can change water availability through the building of large _____, and pollution of water sources can make them _____ to wildlife.

A

People can change water availability through the building of large dams, and pollution of water sources can make them toxic to wildlife.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

an example of how geographic activity can cause environmental change?

A

an example of how geographic activity can cause environmental change?

storms and drought change water availability

volcanic eruptions change the composition of atmospheric gases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Name the potential causes of environmental change:

A

Name the potential causes of environmental change:

Humans

Seasons

Geological activity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Experimental tools for assessing ecosystems:

A

Experimental tools for assessing ecosystems:

Quadrat

Transect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are quadrats used for?

A

What are quadrats used for?

estimating population sizes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

The median is the middle value when a series is arranged in ________ order.

A

The median is the middle value when a series is arranged in numerical order.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Using Quadrats to Estimate a Population Size

A

Using Quadrats to Estimate a Population Size

Divide the habitat up into a series of quadrat-sized cells.

Randomly select a given number of cells, then go out into the habitat and place the quadrat in these positions.

To evaluate the quadrat contents, either count the number of individual organisms of interest or record the percentage of the quadrat taken up by an organism (e.g. grass).

The samples from the quadrat are used to estimate the total population in a given area:

population = number counted x (total survey area / area sampled)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

_________ can be used to investigate the effect of a factor on the distribution of a species.

A

Transects can be used to investigate the effect of a factor on the distribution of a species.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

“When organisms die, the matter in their bodies is recycled for other purposes.” What does this describe?

A

“When organisms die, the matter in their bodies is recycled for other purposes.” What does this describe?

the carbon ncycle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

The recycling of materials is essential as they provide the building blocks for ________ generations.

A

The recycling of materials is essential as they provide the building blocks for future generations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

The Carbon Cycle

A

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is removed from the atmosphere by producers (e.g. algae) who use it in photosynthesis.

By consuming plant matter, animals obtain carbon compounds.

Carbon is returned into the atmosphere (as carbon dioxide) because of the respiration that happens in plant and animal cells.

When animals and plants die, decomposers return the carbon locked in their bodies back to the atmosphere via decay.

Combustion of fossil fuels is another source of carbon entry into the atmosphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
The Water Cycle
The Water Cycle Water evaporates from the Earth’s surface, before rising up into the atmosphere. Once in the atmosphere, the water vapour cools and condenses into either rain or snow. This eventually returns to the Earth’s surface. The rain or snow will either become surface runoff (water flowing off land) or will travel through the earth as ground water. Plants take up water through their roots.
26
When animals and plants die, decomposers return the carbon locked in their bodies back to the atmosphere via _____. Combustion of fossil fuels is another source of carbon entry into the atmosphere.
When animals and plants die, decomposers return the carbon locked in their bodies back to the atmosphere via decay. Combustion of fossil fuels is another source of carbon entry into the atmosphere.
27
What are the ideal conditions for decay?
What are the ideal conditions for decay? moist warm well oxygenated
28
What is the independent variable in an experiment investigating the effect of temperature on the rate of decay of fresh milk by measuring pH change?
What is the independent variable in an experiment investigating the effect of temperature on the rate of decay of fresh milk by measuring pH change? temperature
29
As milk decays it’s pH decreases. This can be observed with an indicator called _______ red.
As milk decays it’s pH decreases. This can be observed with an indicator called Cresol red.
30
The ___________ __________resulted in the initial spike in human activities that were detrimental to biodiversity
The industrial revolution resulted in the initial spike in human activities that were detrimental to biodiversity
31
Industrial waste and pollution affect:
Industrial waste and pollution affect: Water Air Land
32
Name four land pollutants:
Name four land pollutants: ``` 1 Herbicides 2 Pesticides 3 Buried nuclear waste 4 Household waste in landfill ```
33
What is being described? A deposit of partially decayed plant matter, which accumulates in bogs.
What is being described? Peat A deposit of partially decayed plant matter, which accumulates in bogs.
34
Deforestation results in the loss of the following ecosystem services:
Deforestation results in the loss of the following ecosystem services: ``` 1 Erosion prevention 2 Flood control 3 Food provision ```
35
Peat bogs acts as a store of _______, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
Peat bogs acts as a store of carbon, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
36
Deforestation takes place to free up land for:
Deforestation takes place to free up land for: ``` 1 Cattle 2 Rice fields 3 Biofuel production ```
37
Reasons for peat bog destruction
Reasons for peat bog destruction Burn the peat for fuel Sell the peat to gardeners as compost Free up land for farming
38
What is carbon dioxide an example of?
A GREENHOUSE GAS
39
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means its atmospheric concentration must be kept at suitable levels. What is true regarding carbon dioxide?
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means its atmospheric concentration must be kept at suitable levels. What is true regarding carbon dioxide? is a waste product of respiration naturally stored in bodies of water
40
What proportion of climate scientists believe that the greenhouse effect is causing global warming?
What proportion of climate scientists believe that the greenhouse effect is causing global warming? more than half
41
Carbon dioxide Released into the atmosphere Burning ______ fuels Respiration Removal from the atmosphere ___________ into peat bogs _________ in water Photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide Released into the atmosphere Burning fossil fuels Respiration Removal from the atmosphere Absorbed into peat bogs Dissolving in water Photosynthesis
42
The Greenhouse Effect This happens to some of the heat energy that reaches the Earth.
The Greenhouse Effect Re-radiating This happens to some of the heat energy that reaches the Earth.
43
Consequences of Global Warming
Consequences of Global Warming Melting ice Ocean acidification Extreme climatic events Altered migration patterns More extreme meteorological events Changed distribution of species
44
Rising sea surface temperatures are causing bleaching of sensitive ______.
Rising sea surface temperatures are causing bleaching of sensitive corals.
45
Can you think of an example of government-imposed targets regarding deforestation and emission reductions?
Can you think of an example of government-imposed targets regarding deforestation and emission reductions? One example is the ambitious targets set by Brazil regarding the state of the Amazon Rainforest. These include the complete abolishment of illegal deforestation and the reforestation of twelve million hectares by 2030.
46
The benefits of recycling waste include:
The benefits of recycling waste include: slows down land fill expansion reduces the need for extraction
47
Food chains are made up of:
Food chains are made up of: decomposers prey predator Apex predator (not preyed upon)
48
Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, are responsible for recycling ______ matter within an ecosystem and represent the final stop for all food chains.
Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, are responsible for recycling organic matter within an ecosystem and represent the final stop for all food chains.
49
Types of decomposers:
Types of decomposers: fungi bacteris
50
Decomposers break down organic matter by secreting _________, which partly digest the organic matter, producing small and ________ food molecules. These molecules then ______ into the decomposer.
Decomposers break down organic matter by secreting enzymes, which partly digest the organic matter, producing small and soluble food molecules. These molecules then diffuse into the decomposer.
51
Pyramids of biomass are:
Pyramids of biomass are: usually pyramid shaped used to show relative amount of biomass
52
A general rule for transfer efficiency between all trophic levels is that __% of energy from a given trophic level will be available to the next trophic level.
A general rule for transfer efficiency between all trophic levels is that 10% of energy from a given trophic level will be available to the next trophic level.
53
at each trophic level energy is ________.
at each trophic level energy is wasted.
54
Reasons for energy wastage in food chains:
Reasons for energy wastage in food chains: excretion digestion body temperature movement
55
Biomass is the total mass of ______ material in an organism multiplied by the number of organisms.
Biomass is the total mass of living material in an organism multiplied by the number of organisms.
56
Which trophic level tends to contain the most biomass?
Which trophic level tends to contain the most biomass? level 1
57
If there was no wastage, all of the energy that entered a trophic level would be used for _______.
If there was no wastage, all of the energy that entered a trophic level would be used for growth.
58
Factors decreasing food security:
Factors decreasing food security: increased birth rates more extreme meteorological events diet shifts in developed countries new pests / pathogens increased costs of agricultural inputs conflicts
59
What concept is being described below? This is achieved when the whole global human population has access to enough safe and nutritious food to stay healthy.
What concept is being described below? Food security This is achieved when the whole global human population has access to enough safe and nutritious food to stay healthy.
60
In what way do conflicts threaten food security?
In what way do conflicts threaten food security? they reduce access to food and water
61
___________ is the use of biological processes to develop or make products.
Biotechnology is the use of biological processes to develop or make products.
62
___________ Produced by growing the fungus Fusarium, this food source is high in protein and fibre, low in fat, and suitable for vegetarians. ___________ This food source has been genetically modified to contain a molecule that helps make vitamin A.
Mycoprotein Produced by growing the fungus Fusarium, this food source is high in protein and fibre, low in fat, and suitable for vegetarians. Golden rice This food source has been genetically modified to contain a molecule that helps make vitamin A.
63
Examples of modern biotechnology techniques:
Examples of modern biotechnology techniques: 1 Growing microorganisms for food 2 Genetic modification
64
mycoprotein is high in _______ and _______ | low in ________
mycoprotein is high in protein and fibre | low in fat
65
Golden rice has been genetically modified to contain:
Golden rice has been genetically modified to contain: a molecule that helps make vitamin A
66
Farming techniques for improving food production include:
Farming techniques for improving food production include: ``` 1 Shortening food chains 2 Limiting energy transfer from the livestock to the environment 3 High protein foods ```
67
What has been the primary cause of the drastic decline in global fish stocks?
What has been the primary cause of the drastic decline in global fish stocks? OVERFISHING
68
Methods of sustainable fishing:
Methods of sustainable fishing: set fishing quotas By restricting the number and size of fish that can be legally caught, the risk of overfishing is greatly reduced. control net size Controlling the net (holes) size allows the smaller, younger fish to slip through the net so that they can survive at least until maturity.
69
Declining fish stocks negatively impact:
Declining fish stocks negatively impact: ``` 1 Fishermen 2 Food security 3 Food chains ```
70
How does battery-farming chickens help improve food production efficiency? And are there any disadvantages to this strategy?
How does battery-farming chickens help improve food production efficiency? And are there any disadvantages to this strategy? Battery farming is an example of intensive farming, meaning that the animals are kept indoors in crowded conditions. These conditions ensure that the chickens stay warm and don't move too much, both of which reduce the amount of energy that is transferred to the environment. This increased efficiency results in cost reductions for farmers and consumers. However, many people consider this practice unethical as the animal’s living conditions are poor.
71
Fishing is sustainable if fish are not caught at a faster rate than they can reproduce.
Fishing is sustainable if fish are not caught at a faster rate than they can reproduce.

sarah's biology class (7 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions