Genetics, Populations, Evolution & Ecosystems (3.7) Flashcards
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Define an abiotic factor
A non-living / physical / chemical factor
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
List examples of abiotic factors
soil pH
temperature
salinity (concentration of salt)
carbon dioxide concentration
humidity
light intensity
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Define a biotic factor
Living / biological factor
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
List examples of biotic factors
predator
prey / food
disease
presence of opposite sex
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Define a population
Groups of organisms of the same species living in the same habitat / ecosystem at the same time;
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
TRUE OR FALSE
Organisisms of the same species that make up a population have the potential to interbreed
TRUE
They will produce fertile offspring
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Define a community
All the populations of the different species in the same habitat / ecosystem at the same time.
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Define ecological niche
The role played by an organism in a
habitat/ecosystem governed by adaptations to biotic/abiotic factors.
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Different species occupy different ecological niches.
Explain the advantage of species occupying different niches (1 mark).
Reduced (interspecific) competition for food/resources
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Define carrying capacity
Certain size of population of a species that can be supported by the ecosystem
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What can reduce carrying capacity?
Habitat loss;
Reductions in food availability;
Increases in the number of predators;
Disease
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Define an ecosystem
The interaction between a community and the abiotic components of the environment
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Competition between organisms of the same species is known as _________________ competition
intraspecific
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Competition between organisms of different species is known as _________________ competition
interspecific
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What term is used to describe populations of different species living in the same habitat?
Community
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Describe what typical patterns emerge when plotting the population sizes of predators and their prey over time.
As prey populations increase, there is an increased availability of food for the predator population;
This causes a (delayed) increase in predator population;
Due to the increase in predators, the prey population
will decline;
A decline in prey populations leads to a shortage of food for the predators, and over time their population will also decline;
This decline reduces the predation on the prey population, allowing for interbreeding and an increase in the population size
(and repeat)
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
In northern India, there is a conflict of interests between farmers of livestock (eg cows) and people trying to conserve ibex (a type of wild goat).
When livestock are given extra food, their populations can grow too large and compete with ibex.
Name the type of competition between livestock and ibex.
Interspecific
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
The sundew is a small flowering plant, growing in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes.
Describe how you could estimate the size of a population of sundews in a small marsh (5 marks).
1. Use a grid
2. Method of obtaining random coordinates/numbers e.g. random numbers generator;
3. Count number/frequency in a quadrat;
4. Large sample (20 or more) and calculate mean number (per quadrat/section);
5. Valid method of calculating total number of sundews, e.g. mean number of plants per m2 multiplied by number of m2 in marsh;
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Describe how you would determine the mean percentage cover for beach grass on a sand dune (3 marks).
1. Method of randomly determining position (of quadrats) e.g. random numbers generator;
2. Large number of quadrats (20 or more);
3. Divide total percentage by number of quadrats;
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Describe how the mark-release-recapture method could be used to determine the population of A. aegypti (a species of mosquito) at the start of the investigation (3 marks).
1. Capture sample, mark and release;
2. Leave time for mosquitoes to disperse before second sampling / collection;
3. (Population =) number in first sample × number in second sample divided by number of marked in second sample / number recaptured;
3. Accept: correct equation.
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Outline a method the ecologists could have used to determine the plant species richness at one site (3 marks).
- A method of selecting sampling sites at random;
- Use of quadrat;
- Identify (plant) species (at site / in each quadrat)
OR Count number of different plant species in each quadrat / site;
Reject refs to % cover, or counting individuals
Species richness = all the different species (AS content)
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Anolis sagrei is a species of lizard that is found on some of the smallest Caribbean islands.
Describe how you could use the mark-release-recapture method to estimate the number of Anolis sagrei on one of these islands (3 marks).
1. Capture sample, mark and release;
2. Method of marking does not make it more visible to predators (i.e. does not affect survivial the lizards);
3. Leave sufficient time for lizards to (randomly) distribute (on island) before collecting a second sample;
4. (Population =) number in first sample × number in second sample divided by number of marked lizards in second sample / number recaptured.
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
In addition to a quadrat, what piece of equipment do you need to undertake systematic sampling?
A line / belt transect
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What type of analysis can systematic sampling using a line or belt transect allow you to undertake?
The impact of an environmental gradient on a population size.
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Lettuce is classified in the same family as dandelions. Dandelions commonly grow on roadside verges and may accidentally be sprayed with salt when salt is added to the road in winter.
Describe how you could use a transect to investigate whether the distribution of dandelions changed with increased distance from the road (4 marks).
- Lay tape / rope at right angle / perpendicular to road;
- Take samples at regular / stated intervals;
- Using a quadrat;
- Count numbers / percentage cover of dandelions;
- Use several transects;
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
_______________ are dynamic systems.
Ecosystems
This means they change over time, for example, due to succession
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What is the general name of the species that first colonises an inhospitable environment (e.g. barren rock or a sand dune).
Pioneer species
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What is the function of pioneer species during primary succession
Changes the environment;
e.g. adds more humus ; adds nitrates to soil;
(humus = the formation of a thin / basic layer of soil)
This makes it less hostile for a new species to colonise the environment
Populations in ecosystems (AO2)
20
Populations in ecosystems (AO2)
The scientists used the mark-release-recapture method to determine the number of pine martens in one area of forest. They captured, marked and released a first sample of 25 pine martens. A week later, they captured a second sample of 35 pine martens from the same area of forest. The scientists calculated that there were 125 pine martens in that area of forest.
Using the information provided, calculate how many pine martens in the second sample were marked.
7 pine martens
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Suggest one precaution needed when marking the pine martens (during mark, release & recapture) to make sure the estimate of the number of pine martens is valid (1 mark).
(Marking) does not affect survival/predation/recapture (of the pine marten);
OR
Mark does not rub/wash off/is non-toxic.
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What are the assumptions made when using the the mark-release-recapture method to make valid estimates of population size?
- The population size does not change between the two capture times.
* There should be no increase in predation of the marked organism
* There should be no migration - The marking should not rub off or be lost
- The marked organisms have enough time to (randomly) disperse/distribute into the rest of the population
- Sample population is large enough
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What is the final stage of primary succession called?
Climax community
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Succession occurs in natural ecosystems.
Describe and explain how succession occurs (5 marks).
- (Colonisation by) pioneer (species);
- Change in environment / example of change caused by organisms present e.g. adds more humus;
(humus = is the formation of a thin / basic layer of soil) - Enables other species to colonise / survive;
- Increase in biodiversity;
- Stability increases / less hostile environment;
- Climax community;
Populations in ecosystems (AO2)
Crabgrass
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What happens to the pioneer species as succession progresses to the next stage?
They are outcompeted;
by species better adapted to the less hostile environment;
(This is a form interspecific competition)
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
What are characteristics of pioneer species?
Photosynthesise;
Fix nitrogen;
Asexual reproduction;
Tolerance to hostile environments;
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
The species that are present change during succession. Explain why (2 marks).
- Species / plants / animals change the environment / less hostile (habitat);
e.g. add humus / nutrients etc. - New species / plants that colonise this environment outcompete original species (e.g. pioneer species);
Populations in ecosystems (AO2)
Blue tits are small birds that live in woods. An ecologist estimated the size of the blue tit population visiting gardens near a wood in November.
- She trapped 28 blue tits. She marked all of these birds with small metal rings on their legs.
- Two weeks later, she trapped another sample of blue tits. Of these birds, 18 were marked and 20 were not marked.
Use the data to estimate the size of the blue tit population.
59
Populations in ecosystems (AO2)
(Increase in) dead organisms / humus / decomposition;
Leading to (increase in) nitrification / ammonia to nitrate / activity of nitrifying bacteria;
Populations in ecosystems (AO2)
Explain the advantage to a plant that colonises 50 years after the pioneer species of having a high rate of photosynthesis at low light intensities.
Plant will grow / survive in the shade / when overshadowed (by taller plants) / when receiving less light;
Note that taller trees are a key feature of a climax community
Populations in ecosystems (AO2)
- Beach grass is the pioneer (species);
- Pioneers/named species change the (abiotic) environment/habitat/conditions/factors;
Must convey idea of change being caused by a species
Accept example of change e.g. more humus
- (So) less hostile for named species OR
(So) more suitable for named species; - Conifer/hardwood trees represent climax community;
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Suggest two reasons for conserving rainforests.
1. Conserve/protect
species/plants/animals/organisms
OR For (bio)diversity;
2. Conserve/protect habitats/niches
OR
Provides/many habitats/niches;
3. Reduces climate change;
4. Source of medicines/drugs/wood;
5. Reduces erosion/eutrophication;
6. (For) tourism;
Populations in ecosystems (AO1)
Explain why conservation of habitats frequently involves management of succession.
Prevents a climax community from forming;
Habitats in earlier stage ofsuccession may be better for some species
E.g. ground nesting birds on heather moorland
Inheritance (AO1)
Codominance
Inheritance (AO1)
In genetic crosses, the observed phenotypic ratios obtained in the offspring are often not the same as the expected ratios.
Suggest two reasons why.
- Small sample size;
- Fusion/fertilisation of gametes is random;
- Linked Genes;
- Epistasis;
- Lethal genotypes;
Inheritance (AO1)
What is meant by the term phenotype?
Expression of genetic constitution / genotype / allele(s);
AND its interaction with the environment;
Inheritance (AO1)
- Bb / suitable equivalent;
- Both parents have bar eyes, but have some offspring with round eyes, so parents must be carriers of recessive allele for round eyes;
Inheritance (AO1)
What is meant by codominant alleles?
Both alleles expressed in the phenotype (if both are present);
Inheritance (AO1)
What is the expected phenotypic ratio if your cross heterozygous parents (i.e. they carry the recessive allele) in a monohybrid cross?
3 : 1
Where 1 represents the phenotype from the homozygous recessive genotype
Inheritance (AO1)
What is the expected phenotypic ratio if your cross heterozygous parents for a codominant phenotype.
1 : 2 : 1
Inheritance (AO2)
Unaffected parents have affected children
e.g. 3 and 4 produce affected offspring (9 and 11);
Both 3 and 4 are carriers / heterozygous;
Inheritance (AO1)
Explain what is meant by a dominant allele.
Is always expressed / shown
in the phenotype;
Inheritance (AO1)
Explain what is meant by a recessive allele.
Requires both alleles to be present (homozygous recessive genotype) to be expressed / show in the phenotype.
Inheritance (AO2)
A breeder crossed a black male cat with a black female cat on a number of occasions. The female cat produced 8 black kittens and 4 white kittens.
Explain the evidence that the allele for white fur is recessive.
Parents are heterozygous;
Accept carriers / carries white allele
Kittens receive white allele from parents / black cat;
Inheritance (AO2)
A breeder crossed a black male cat with a black female cat on a number of occasions. The female cat produced 8 black kittens and 4 white kittens.
Predict the likely ratio of colours of kittens born to a cross between this black male and a white female.
1:1
A Bb (Black) x bb (White) cross will produce Bb and bb offspring
Inheritance (AO1)
What is meant by the term genotype?
The genetic constitution of an organism.
In other words, all the alleles it contains
Inheritance (AO1)
Define a gene
A sequence of DNA bases that codes for a protein