Ecosystems Quiz Flashcards
Define Ecology
a system with components and interactions
Define Species
a group of similar organisms in an ecosystem. members of the same species can reproduce a viable offspring
Define Populations
a group of members of the same species that live in the same area
Define Community
made up of populations of different species that live and interact in an area
Define Niche
all the interactions of a given species with its ecosystems
What are the Four Spheres?
lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere
What is the Lithosphere?
made up of everything on earth’s surface, outermost shell of the earth
What is the Hydrosphere?
made up of the water on earths surface
What is the Atmosphere?
multiple layers of gases held in place by gravity
What is the Biosphere?
made up of all the life on earth
Define Ecosystem
an ecosystem is a complex system in which living things interact with each other and nonliving things
What is an Abiotic Factor?
nonliving factors or influences on organisms
What is a Biotic Factor?
factors caused by the presence and roles of other living things
What is Biodiversity?
the number of different types or variety of organisms in an area
What is a Biome?
small ecosystems that exist in larger ecosystems
What are the 5 Major Biomes?
deciduous forest, grassland, boreal forest, tundra, and temperate coniferous forest
What are the Characteristics of the Deciduous Forests?
- found in southern and eastern canada
- dominated by deciduous trees (lose their leaves)
- high biodiversity
- well defined winter and summer
- high precipitation
What are the Characteristics of the Boreal Forests?
- found north of deciduous forests
- dominated by coniferous trees (cones and needles)
- low biodiversity
What are the Characteristics of the Tundra?
- found in the arctic
- no trees
- lowest biodiversity
- permafrost (soil that never thaws)
What are the Characteristics of the Grasslands?
- eastern manitoba to the rocky mountains
- few trees but covered in grasses and shrubs
- home to herbivores
What are the Characteristics of the Temprate Coniferous Forests?
- western bc
- high precipitation
- warm wet summers and mild winters
- diff types of needle and cone bearing tress thank coniferous forests
What are the Two Aquatic Biomes?
marine and freshwater
What are the Characteristics of a Marine Biome?
- ocean, coral reefs, ocean floor, intertidal zones
- hudson’s bay, james bay
- high salt content
What are the Characteristics of a Freshwater Biome?
- lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands
- great lakes, at lawrence river
- very low salt content
Define Nutrients
substances that an organism uses to build a repair of the cells of its body
What is the Nutrient Cycle?
the process of moving the nutrient back-and-forth between the biotic and abiotic parts of ecosystems
matter can remain in one place for a long time, any place or matter accumulates is called a reservoir