🌷 • Module 9 : Natural Ecosystems Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
- Biotic (living things)
- Abiotic (non-living factors)
What is a population?
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
What is a community?
Different populations of species living together in the same habitat.
What is a habitat?
The natural environment where an organism lives.
What is a niche?
The role an organism plays in an ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms and its environment.
What is the niche of a fox in a forest? Name as much roles as possible.
A fox is a secondary consumer, hunting small mammals and birds (predator), scavenging remains (decomposer role), and helping control prey populations. It also interacts with the environment by marking territory and dispersing seeds.
Name all the biotic factors in an ecosystem…
Producers, consumers, decomposers, competition, predation, and pollination.
Name all the abiotic factors in an ecosystem…
Temperature, humidity, water, oxygen, salinity, light and pH.
What is competition in an ecosystem?
When organisms compete for resources like food, water, or space.
What is predation?
When one organism (predator) hunts and eats another (prey).
What is pollination?
The transfer of pollen from one flower to another, often aided by insects or wind.
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (with sunlight & chlorophyll).
Why is chlorophyll important?
It absorbs light energy needed for photosynthesis.
What is the word equation for respiration?
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy.
How does energy flow in an ecosystem?
Through food chains, food webs, and trophic levels.
What are the trophic levels in a food chain?
Producers → Primary consumers → Secondary consumers → Tertiary consumers → Decomposers.
What do ecological pyramids show?
The number or energy of organisms at each trophic level.
What are the key processes in the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, and fossilization.
What are causes of habitat loss?
Drainage of wetlands, intensive agriculture, deforestation.
What are the impacts of habitat loss?
Loss of biodiversity, genetic depletion, and species extinction.
What are causes of deforestation?
Logging, farming, road construction, and mineral extraction.
What are the impacts of deforestation?
Habitat loss, soil erosion, desertification, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Why is sustainable forest management important?
Forests act as carbon sinks, prevent soil erosion, support biodiversity, and provide resources.
What are methods for estimating biodiversity?
Pitfall traps, quadrats, transects, random/systematic sampling.
What are strategies for biodiversity conservation?
National parks, seed banks, wildlife reserves, sustainable forestry, ecotourism.
