On The Wild Side Flashcards

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1
Q

Biosphere

A

The part of the Earth and its atmosphere that is inhabited by living organisms

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2
Q

Abiotic factors definition

A

Physical and chemical factors (soil type, climate)

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3
Q

Biotic factors definition

A

Factors determined by organisms (density dependent: related to the size of the population relative to area available)

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4
Q

Why does a particular species live in a particular area?

A

Because it is adapted and is able to survive and reproduce there. (or it was deliberately introduced and maintained by humans)

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5
Q

Abiotic factors examples:

A

Solar energy input

Climate

Topography (altitude, slope, aspect)

Oxygen availability

Edaphic factors (soil factors)

Pollution (air, water, land)

Catastrophes (earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, fires)

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6
Q

Biotic factors example:

A

Competition

Grazing, predation, parasitism (one organism benefits another in this relationship)

Mutualism (relationship where both partners benefit)

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7
Q

What may there be competition for?

A

Food, water, light, space

Interspecific or intraspecific

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8
Q

What is solar energy input affected by?

A

Latitude, season, cloud cover, changes in the Earth’s orbit

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9
Q

When is oxygen availability particularly important?

A

In aquatic systems (eg fast flowing streams better oxygenated than stagnant pools)

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10
Q

What are edaphic factors and what are they affected by?

A

Factors relating to soil: pH, mineral salt availability, soil texture,

Affected by geology

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11
Q

What are anthropogenic factors?

A

Factors arising from human activity (biotic or biotic)

The impact of humans on the world environment is far greater than that of any other species.

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12
Q

Examples of anthropogenic factors:

A

Deforestation, grazing, moor/burning

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13
Q

Adaptations of a polar bear:

A

Thick fur - insulation

Long oily outer hairs - easily shed water
Finer inner hairs - provide insulation by trapping air

Small ears and tail

Long nose w several passages

Thick layer of fat under skin

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14
Q

Why can the tundra grasses better withstand grazing than other tundra vegetation?

A

(All grass) grow from the base, rather than the tips

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15
Q

What is the tundra?

A

The worlds most northerly land ecosystems where the tree growth is hindered by very low temperatures. Not a lot of rain or wind.

(In the Arctic and tops of mountains are tundra ecosystems)

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16
Q

Succession

A

The ecological process in which one community progressively changes into another.

(Eg The first organisms to colonise bare rock, for example, are algae and lichens - they’re the only organisms which can survive in the demanding conditions, they start to break up the rock surface allowing organic material to accumulate and soil to form…in this way they change the habitat and make it suitable for other species)

17
Q

Primary succession

A

Starts in newly formed habitats where there has never been a community before

18
Q

Pioneer species

A

First organisms to colonise a newly formed habitat/ a habitat that has been cleared of vegetation

(the only species that can cope w the demanding conditions eg extremes of temperature, lack of soil)

19
Q

What are the pioneer species on bare rock?

A

Lichens and algae

20
Q

Climax community

A

The different species of organisms that make up the final stage of an ecological succession.
(The nature of the climax community depends on environmental conditions eg climate)

21
Q

Secondary succession

A

A succession which starts where an existing community has been cleared.

Eg Successions that start after fires

22
Q

Deflected succession

A

A community that remains stable only because human activity prevents succession from running its course.
Eg sheep grazing prevents grassland to develop into woodland