Module 3- Ecosystems And Sustainability

Question 1

Decomposer

Answer 1

Organisms that feed on dead organic matter, releasing molecules, minerals and energy that then become available to other living organisms in that ecosystem

Question 2

Producer

Answer 2

Autotrophic organisms that convert light energy to chemical energy, which they then supply to consumers

Question 3

Ecosystem

Answer 3

All the living organisms and all the non-living components in a specific habitat, and their interactions. They are dynamic systems.

Question 4

Biotic factor

Answer 4

Living factor eg animal species

Question 5

Abiotic factor

Answer 5

Non-living factor eg. Temperature

Question 6

Consumer

Answer 6

Living organisms that feed on other living organisms

Question 6

Tropic level

Answer 6

The level at which an organism feeds in a food chain

Question 7

Carrying capacity

Answer 7

The maximum population size that can be maintained over a period of time in a particular habitat

Question 8

Intraspecific competition

Answer 8

Competition between individual as of the same species, as factors such as food supplies become limited.
Best adapted individuals will survive and reproduce, so population growth remains low

Question 9

Interspecific competition

Answer 9

Competition between individuals of different species, and can affect both the population size of a species and the distribution of a species in an ecosystem

Question 10

Conservation

Answer 10

Maintainable of biodiversity, including diversity between specks, genetic diversity within species and maintenance of a variety of habitats and ecosystems

Question 11

Preservation

Answer 11

Keeping an area natural, often protecting areas untouched by humans. This doesn’t necessarily mean maintaining biodiversity.