Ecosystems Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
A set of interacting, interdependent biotic and abiotic components
What 2 types of factors can affect an ecosystem?
1- Biotic
2- Abiotic
What is a biotic factor?
A living factor
What is an abiotic factor?
A non-living factor
Name 5 abiotic factors
1- Light 2- Temperature 3- Water availability 4- Oxygen availability 5- Edaphic soil factors
Name 3 biotic factors
Competition for:
1- Food
2- Space
3- Breeding partners
Explain how light is an abiotic factor
Photosynthesis = success of plant species
Explain how temperature is an abiotic factor
- Enzymes = faster/slower metabolic reactions
- Migration + hibernation
Explain how water availability is an abiotic factor
Lack of water = water stress = death
Explain how oxygen availability is an abiotic factor
Aerobic respiration
Explain how soil factors are an abiotic factor
Different soil types have different sized particles which affects the organisms that can live there
What is biomass?
The mass of living material present in a particular place or in particular organisms
What is the easiest way of measuring biomass?
- Calculate dry mass
How do you calculate dry mass?
Discount water content by:
- Killing organism
- Place in oven at 80°C
Why might dry mass not be representative?
Only a small sample is taken to minimise destruction of organisms