Module 4 - Ecosystem Dynamics

Question 1

Abiotic Factors

Answer 1

Non-living organisms (physical and chemical) in the environment. Eg: water, soil, sunlight
(Temp rise could cause icecaps to melt resulting in sea levels rising)

Question 2

Biotic Factors

Answer 2

Living organisms within the environment. Eg: animals, plants, fungi

Question 3

Predation

Answer 3

Animal feeds on another species. Eg: Owls hunting Mice

Question 4

Competition

Answer 4

Species compete for the same food/water supply. Eg: Male birds compete for a mate

Question 5

Symbiotic

Answer 5

Two species living and functioning within close contact. Eg: Anemone and clownfish

Question 6

Niches

Answer 6

Role an organism plays in a community. Match of species to specific environment. Eg: predation and completion

Question 7

Disease in ecosystems

Answer 7

Could cause a wipe out of species. Eg: Extinction, population control (drives process of evolution)

Question 8

Radio metric dating

Answer 8

Determines age of materials (rocks) found by the amount of parent atoms to daughter atoms. Eg: Two or more atoms that have the same atomic number

Question 9

Ice core drilling

Answer 9

Ice is drilled from glaciers which allows us to reconstruct the past climate.

Question 10

Evolution of Australian small mammals

Answer 10

Shift to hot, dry climates, adapting to the climate of Australia.

Question 11

Evolution of Australian sclerophyll plants

Answer 11

Adapt to harsh dry climate, diverse to new environmental niches (rainforest).

Question 12

Human induced selection pressure

Answer 12

Climate change, Hunting, Pollution, Over fishing, Harvesting.

Question 13

Allelopathy

Answer 13

Release of a chemical to stop the surrounding plants growth.

Question 14

Mutualism

Answer 14

Both species benefit.

Question 15

Commensalism

Answer 15

One species benefits the other is neither harmed or benefits.

Question 16

Parasitism

Answer 16

One species Benefits (the parasite) the other is harmed?killed.

Question 17

Paleontology

Answer 17

The study of ancient life preserved as fossils in rocks sediments.

Question 18

Geology

Answer 18

The study of earth, materials of which is made and structured.

Question 19

Rock cycle

Answer 19

Concept that describes transitions through geologic time.

Question 20

Sedimentary

Answer 20

Formed when sediment is deposited out of the air, ice, wind, gravity and water flow.

Question 21

Metamorphic

Answer 21

Rocks formed after exposure too extreme pressure or heat.

Question 22

Igneous

Answer 22

Rock formed from the cooling and crystallisation of magma and lava.

Question 23

Fossil

Answer 23

The preserved remains, impressions or traces of organisms, found in rocks, amber, ice or soil.

Question 24

Radio active decay

Answer 24

The regular measurable rate of decay of an isotope.

Question 25

Low of superposition

Answer 25

The deeper the layer the older the rock and/or fossil.