Life processes in the biosphere

Question 1

Taxonomy

Answer 1

The study of organisms to assess how they can be grouped or classified

Question 2

Ecological succession

Answer 2

The sequence of changes in community composition as an area is colonised and develops to become the climax community. 5 stages - nudation (bare land), invasion, competition, coaction, reaction, climax. eg. After a forest fire, grasses might grow, then shrubs, then trees until there is a mature forest.

Question 3

Community

Answer 3

All the populations of all the species living in an area.

Question 4

Carrying capacity

Answer 4

The greatest population that can be supported sustainably in an area.

Question 5

Biome

Answer 5

A large geographical region with particular climatic features and a characteristic, unique community of species.

Question 6

Density independent factor

Answer 6

Also known as a limiting factor. Any force that influences the size of a population of living things regardless of population density eg earthquake - it will kill all members of a population, whether the population is large or small. Also could be food limitation, pollutants, climate extremes eg monsoon

Question 7

Autotroph

Answer 7

An organism that gains its energy from light or chemical reactions, not by eating other organisms. They can produce their own food. eg plants
Sometimes called producers.

Question 8

Density dependent factor

Answer 8

Any force that affects the size of a population of living things in response to the density of the population eg disease (spreads faster in areas where individuals live in close proximity). Also competition for food, water, nesting sites.

Question 9

Edaphic

Answer 9

Factors relating to the soil. Eg. soil texture, ph level, aeration, mineral levels etc.

Question 10

Pollination

Answer 10

The transfer of male gametes (pollen) onto the female part of a flower, followed by fertilisation

Question 11

Ecosystem

Answer 11

A community of organisms, their inter relationships and interactions with the abiotic environment

Question 12

Genus

Answer 12

A group of closely related species. It’s a taxonomic group covering more than one species.

Question 13

Heterotroph

Answer 13

An organism that gets its food energy from other organisms eg animals, fungi, bacteria. It eats other plants or animals for energy and nutrients.

Question 14

Population

Answer 14

All the individuals of a species living in a particular area

Question 15

Habitat

Answer 15

The place where an organism, species or population lives.