ecosystems Flashcards

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1
Q

what is an ecosystem?

A

made up of all living organisms that interact in a defined area, and the physical factors present. they can vary in size and are dynamic.

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2
Q

what is a biotic factor?

A

living factors.
e.g. predators, competition, mutualism/parasitism

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3
Q

what is an abiotic factor?

A

non living factors
e.g. temperature, water, humidity, light, wind, carbon dioxide

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4
Q

why do abiotic factors often have a bigger effect on plants than animals in an ecosystem?

A

plants are unable to hide / shelter / migrate in extreme conditions
plants are more reliant on light/water in order to photosynthesise
animals can regulate internal body temp

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5
Q

what is a species?

A

organisms with similar features which reproduce to produce fertile offspring

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6
Q

what is a population?

A

a group of individuals of the same species that occupy the same habitat at the same time

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7
Q

what is a community?

A

all populations of different species living in the same place at the same time

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8
Q

what is a biome?

A

a large scale ecosystem defined by abiotic factors such as weather

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9
Q

what is a biosphere?

A

an area of the planet where organisms live, including the ground, water and air

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10
Q

why are ecosystems dynamic but stable?

A

population sizes rise and fall due to interactions between organisms and the environment. any small change can affect the other in predator/prey relationships

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11
Q

what does niche mean?

A

the role of an organism in its ecosystem e.g where it lives

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12
Q

what does habitat mean?

A

the place where an organism/community lives

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13
Q

what is a keystone species?

A
  • significant effect on ecosystem
  • could be relied on by other organisms
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14
Q

what is a dynamic ecosystem?

A

constantly changes over time

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