Intro - Web of Life

Question 1

Describe the 6 steps of the Scientific Method.

Answer 1

1. State a question
2. Observational Study
3. More Observational Studies to find a pattern
4. Lab Experiments
5. Field Experiments
6. Computer Simulations

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of a lab experiment?

Answer 2

Pros: have control over conditions

Cons: not in field conditions, taking it out of real-world conditions

Question 3

What are the pros and cons of a field experiment?

Answer 3

Pros: real-world conditions

Cons: variables harder to control with “natural variation” - other factors can affect the experiment - lose control

Question 4

What is ecology?

Answer 4

The study of individuals and their interactions with other organisms and the environment

Question 5

What is the environment made of?

Answer 5

Abiotic factors - water, soil, nutrients, heat, light, etc.

Biotic factors - organisms

Question 6

What is an organism?

Answer 6

An individual - it’s DNA, organs, tissues, nutrients, etc.

Question 7

What is a population?

Answer 7

A group of individuals - must be of the same species

Question 8

What is a community?

Answer 8

Populations of different species within the same area

Question 9

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 9

A community plus all of it’s abiotic factors

Question 10

What is a landscape?

Answer 10

A diverse area comprised of multiple ecosystems

Question 11

What is a biome?

Answer 11

An area defined by it’s climate and flora