Ecosystems

Question 1

Ecosystems def=

Answer 1

A certain area in which biotic and abiotic components interact with each other.

Question 2

Abiotic components in an ecosystem;

Answer 2

• physiographic factors
• Edaphic factors
• light
• temperature
• water
• Atmospheric gases
• wind

Question 3

Abiotic Climate factors;

Answer 3

•light
•temperature
•Water
•Atmospheric gases
• Wind

Question 4

Physiographic factors
Aspect

Answer 4

The position of an area in relation to the sun.
Depending on which side of the slope there will be more sunlight on one side therefore the vegetation will differ.

Question 5

Slope
Physiographic factor

Answer 5

(Steepness of a mountain slope)
• steeper the slope the water run-off will be faster leading to soil erosion occurring more frequently.

Question 6

Physiographic factors
Altitude

Answer 6

(Height above sea level)
• Areas high above sea level (e.g mountain tops) = extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and snow
• Plants and animals differ depending on how high above or below sea level they are.

Question 7

Edaphic factors

Answer 7

(Soil)
There are 3 types of soil:
1. Clay
2. Loam
3. Sand

Question 8

Soil air importance

Answer 8

• Spaces between the soil particles can be filled with air and water. Air is vital for the survival of soil organisms
How big the spaces of water and air are= aerated
• Sandy soil- very aerated
• clay= poorly aerated

Question 9

Sandy soil, loam and clay

Answer 9

1. Sandy soil= low water holding capacity which leads to leaching of nutrients. (Very aerated)
2. Loam= medium water holding capacity ( well aerated)
3. Clay= high water holding capacity- leads to poor drainage so plants roots rot ( poorly aerated)

Question 10

Humus content

Answer 10

Humus is decayed plant and animal matter

Question 11

PH

Answer 11

• Azaleas and Proteas= acidic soil (Low pH)
• succulent plants= alkaline soil (high pH)
• Most plants= neutral soil (pH 7)

Question 12

Photoperiodism

Answer 12

The effect of day length( duration of exposure to light) on the growth of a plant

Question 13

Ecothermic animals

Answer 13

(Cold-blooded) body is dependent on environmental heat source

• become inactive in cold winter and hibernate to survive

Question 14

Hibernation

Answer 14

A winter sleep where animals metabolism and heart slow during winter periods

Question 15

Endothermic animals

Answer 15

(Warm-blooded)
Keep body temp constant regardless of the environmental temp. They use fur, sweating or shivering to maintain relatively stable body temperatures. They also hibernate or migrate to warmer habitats during winter