Ecosystems Flashcards
1
Q
The four spheres
A
- Geosphere (ground)
- Hydrosphere (water)
- Lithosphere/biosphere (life - flora and fauna and decomposers)
- Atmosphere (air)
2
Q
How do the four spheres interact
A
The atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact through processes like gas exchange, water cycles, and nutrient flow.
3
Q
Ecosystem
A
An ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment in a specific area
4
Q
Structure and dynamics
A
- structure is biotic/abiotic
- dynamics are how energy flows through an ecosystem (producers > consumers > decomposers)
5
Q
Biotic
A
- Flora studies plant life
- Fauna studies animal life
- Decomposers including bacteria and fungi, break down complex compounds
6
Q
Abiotic
A
- non-living parts of the environment
- sun
- water
- rocks
7
Q
Ecosystem components and how they are interconnected
A
- Vegetation
- Fauna
- Soils
- Climate
- Landforms and Drainage
8
Q
How the five components ensure ecological balance
A
Maintained by five components: vegetation, fauna, soils, climate, and landforms and drainage. Vegetation produces oxygen, fauna preserves food web, soils support plant growth, climate determines vegetation and animal distribution, and landforms ensure sustainability and biodiversity.
