Module 6- ecosystems

Question 1

Define ecology

Answer 1

the study of the relationship between organism sand their environment

Question 2

Define ecosystem

Answer 2

is made up of all living things that interact with each other in a defined area but also the physical factors present in a region. They vary in size and are all dynamic as they are constantly changing.

Question 3

Define biotic factors

Answer 3

living factors which often compete for food or space

Question 4

How does light affect ecosystems?

Answer 4

plants are directly affected by the light availability for photosynthesis.
in areas of low light plants may have larger leaves
they may also develop photosynthetic pigments that require less light

Question 5

How does temperature affect ecosystems?

Answer 5

plants will develop more rapidly in warmer conditions as will ectothermic animals
changes in temperature can trigger migration or hibernation in some animal species.

Question 6

How does water availability affect ecosystems?

Answer 6

lack of water leads to water stress which can cause death
lack of water causes most plants to wilt

Question 7

How does oxygen availability affect ecosystems?

Answer 7

if water becomes too warm or the flow rate too slow the resulting drop in oxygen concentration can lead to suffocation in aquatic organisms.

Question 8

What is the first tropic level?

Answer 8

A producer- organism that converts light energy into chemical energy by photosynthesis