Lab 2: River Bank!

Question 1

Why will the river bank and flood plain in Saskatoon appear different from Beaver creek?

Answer 1

Because of the difference in glacial deposits in this area which create different land forms and soils. As well as human impacts on the local communities.

Question 2

What is the lowest part of Saskatoon?

Answer 2

Bessborough

Question 3

Ecosystem: define!

Answer 3

Is a defined region where members of the community interact with each other and their physical environment in the transfer of energy and nutrients. Scope of the ecosystem is defined by the observer.

Question 4

Ecosystem ecologists define systems and their functions based on….

Answer 4

energy transfers and material cycling.

Question 5

Organisms can be classified into 3 functional groups, which are?

Answer 5

1. ) Autotrophs
2. ) Heterotrophs
3. ) Detritivores

Question 6

Define Autotrophs:

Answer 6

Primary producers!
Organisms take energy from an external source (sunlight or inorganic molecules) and trap it in the chemical bonds of organic molecules they construct using inorganic materials.

Question 7

Define Heterotrophs:

Answer 7

Primary consumers! Take energy from energy in the chemical bonds of organic molecules constructed by autotrophs or other heterotrophs (secondary consumers).

Question 8

Define Detritivores:

Answer 8

Organisms in this group take energy and materials from the dead bodies and waste products of living organisms.

Question 9

What technique did we use to count the plant cover?

Answer 9

Braum-Blanquet rapid cover estimation technique.

Question 10

Define community:

Answer 10

Is all the populations in a defined region (eco-system)

Question 11

Define population:

Answer 11

Is all the individuals of a species in a defined region.

Question 12

Define Species:

Answer 12

Is a group of morphological similar organisms (usually in a defined region) that naturally interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 13

What 3 things do you need to have in order to be in a species?

Answer 13

1. ) Morphological similar.
2. ) Naturally interbreed
3. ) Produce fertile offspring

Question 14

Define Ecological Succession:

Answer 14

Is a process where a series of plant communities change there physical environment such that each can be replaced by the next. An example of this is raw material turning into soil

Question 15

Define Pioneer Species:

Answer 15

First species to move in on new raw material. When they die the ground will be enriched by refractory molecules that act as bridges between mineral particles to hold water and nutrients.

Question 16

What is the order of succession?

Answer 16

• Early succession
• Autogenic change: Physical change that results in soil.
• Mid successional community
• Late succesional community
• Climax community: self-sustaining.

Question 17

Ecosystem Ecologist:

Answer 17

Defines system and their function based on energy transfers and material cycling.