Energy Flow and nutrient cylcling

Question 1

What is an Ecosystem?

Answer 1

An ecosystem consists of all the organisms living in a
community, as well as the abiotic (non-living) factors
with which they interact

Question 2

Define Species:

Answer 2

SPECIES-organisms with
similar characteristics that are
able to reproduce fertile
offspring.

Question 3

Define Population:

Answer 3

POPULATION-organisms of
the same specie that live
together in a place and
interact with each other.

Question 4

Define Community

Answer 4

COMMUNITY-group of
populations living and
interacting with each other.

Question 5

Define Niche

Answer 5

NICHE – describes the role of
an organisms or population in
its community or ecosystem.
In other words, the function
of an organisms in its living
environment.

Question 6

What is a habitat

Answer 6

HABITAT - is an ecological or
environmental area that is
inhabited by a particular
species of animal, plant or
other type of organism. It is
the natural environment in
which an organism lives, or
the physical environment that
surrounds (influences and is
utilized by) a species
population.

Question 7

What is a biome

Answer 7

Biome – is a
collection of
ecosystems sharing
common climatic
conditions, e.g.
tundra, desert,
tropical rain forest.

Question 8

What is the biosphere

Answer 8

Biosphere - is that part of the Earth inhabited by
organisms. It is a thin layer that extends from the upper
part of the atmosphere down to the deepest parts of
the oceans which support life – 11 km below sea level to
10 km above.

Question 9

What is biomass

Answer 9

Biomass = mass of each individual x number of individuals at each
trophic level.