Module 4 - Ecosystem Dynamics Flashcards
Abiotic Factors
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)
Biotic Factors
Living organisms within the environment. Eg: animals, plants, fungi
Predation
Animal feeds on another species. Eg: Owls hunting Mice
Competition
Species compete for the same food/water supply. Eg: Male birds compete for a mate
Symbiotic
Two species living and functioning within close contact. Eg: Anemone and clownfish
Niches
Role an organism plays in a community. Match of species to specific environment. Eg: predation and completion
Disease in ecosystems
Could cause a wipe out of species. Eg: Extinction, population control (drives process of evolution)
Radio metric dating
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
Ice core drilling
Ice is drilled from glaciers which allows us to reconstruct the past climate.
Evolution of Australian small mammals
Shift to hot, dry climates, adapting to the climate of Australia.
Evolution of Australian sclerophyll plants
Adapt to harsh dry climate, diverse to new environmental niches (rainforest).
Human induced selection pressure
Climate change, Hunting, Pollution, Over fishing, Harvesting.
Allelopathy
Release of a chemical to stop the surrounding plants growth.
Mutualism
Both species benefit.
Commensalism
One species benefits the other is neither harmed or benefits.
Parasitism
One species Benefits (the parasite) the other is harmed?killed.
Paleontology
The study of ancient life preserved as fossils in rocks sediments.
Geology
The study of earth, materials of which is made and structured.
Rock cycle
Concept that describes transitions through geologic time.
Sedimentary
Formed when sediment is deposited out of the air, ice, wind, gravity and water flow.
Metamorphic
Rocks formed after exposure too extreme pressure or heat.
Igneous
Rock formed from the cooling and crystallisation of magma and lava.
Fossil
The preserved remains, impressions or traces of organisms, found in rocks, amber, ice or soil.
Radio active decay
The regular measurable rate of decay of an isotope.
Low of superposition
The deeper the layer the older the rock and/or fossil.
