Outcome 1 Flashcards
Describe and give examples of a Habitat
An ecological/ environmental area inhabited by a particular species of organisms
examples include:
pond
tree
grass
Describe and give examples of a Population
All organisms of the same species that live in the same area and are capable of interbreeding.
examples include:
rabbits
daisies
Describe and give examples of a Community
A group of interacting populations
examples include:
rabbits interacting with daisies
Describe and give examples of a Biome
A large ecological area where floral and fauna adapting to the environment
examples include:
desert
tundra
forest
Describe and give examples of Ecosystems
An interaction of all of the living and non-living components in a particular area, interacting populations are grouped into communities
examples include:
rocky shore
woodland
moorland
Describe Abiotic factors
Abiotic factors are non-living factors that would affect on an ecosystem eg temperature
Describe biotic factors
Biotic factors are describes as living components that would affect on an ecosystem eg plants, animals, bacteria
Give two examples of Abiotic edaphic factors
Soil texture- different plants will be able to grow
soil air- determines firmness, for the ability for organisms to move through the soil
soil temperature- will affect growth and decomposition
Give two examples of Abiotic climate factors
Temperature - affects which organisms will be able to survive in the ecosystem
Water availability- rainfall will determine how much water is available in an ecosystem
What is meant by the term Biogeochemical cycling?
Refers to the movement of a chemical substances through both abiotic and biotic compartments of an ecosystem eg carbon, phosphorus, water, nitrogen cycles.
Give the positive effects of grazing on an ecosystem
Restores native plants in areas that have been overgrazed, under grazed or disturbed by humans eg lower growing plants or herbs.
Give the negative effects of grazing on an ecosystem
Increase soil erosion, poor waste quality, loss of biodiversity
Population levels can vary greatly depending on numbers of predator and prey. Give specific details of how these population levels can change
When prey have an abundance of resources such as food, they are able to multiply, therefore predators can also multiply. As prey population increases, predator population will increase. This will in turn cause prey population to decrease and predator population will also decrease.
Describe the term Mutualism
A relationship where both species will gain a benefit. Eg clownfish living in a sea Anemone
Describe the term Commensalism
A relationship where one of the species is benefited where the other is unaffected. Eg Barnacles on a humpback whale.
Describe the term Parasitism
A relationship where one species befits and the other is harmed. Eg tick on dog
Describe the term of Niche
A specialised role of a species within an ecosystem
Describe the term of Autotrough
Also known as (Primary) Producers, these are organisms which produce their food from sunlight
Describe the term of Heterotroph
Also known as ‘consumers’ these are organisms which feed on organisms which have already assimilated light energy into organic molecules. In other words they must eat other organisms to obtain energy.
Describe the term of Decomposer
bacteria and fungi, which breakdown organic material into carbon dioxide, water and minerals by the process of respiration, releasing energy.
Describe the term of Primary succession
The process of succession which occurs in places which have not supported ecosystems before. At the start of succession no soil is present. The soil is formed by the action of living organisms.
Describe the term Pioneer Succession
succession of the first species to colonize a bare rock in primary succession or the first to colonize a destroyed habitat in secondary succession
E.g., Lichen, the first species that can colonise bare rock. Being able to survive desiccation and exposure
Describe the term Climax community
The final stage in the succession process at which point there are no further changes in species composition and the community of plants and animals present remains stable.
Describe the term Secondary succession
takes place where either human activity or a natural event has removed the existing vegetation. For example after a forest fire or when former agricultural land is abandoned
Describe the term Carrying Capacity
The maximum population size that a given area can sustain (due to availability of resources).
How much energy is transferred from each trophic level and where is it wasted?
10% of the energy is transferred between each trophic level. energy is lost through respiration, heat, movement and faeces
Describe the 5 main processes involved in the water cycle
Evaporation- the transformation of water from liquid to gas phases as it moves from ground level to atmosphere.
Condensation- the transformation of water vapour to liquid droplets in the atmosphere creating clouds and fog.
Precipitation- condensed water that falls to earth usually in the form of rain, sleet or snow.
Flow- the flow of water under or over ground, groundwater may return to the surface or seep into the ocean.
Transpiration- water vapour entering the atmosphere via plant leaves.
Describe the 5 main processes involved in the carbon cycle
Diffusion- carbon dioxide is a gas. it moves from high to low concentration. this causes it to enter plant leaves.
Photosynthesis- Carbon dioxide is combined with hydrogen to make glucose in plants and algae.
Respiration- Animals consume producers in a food chain. The carbohydrates from the plant materials is used as fuel for respiration. Carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere when an animal breathes out.
Combustion- This processes involves the burning of carbon containing fuels such as wood and coal.
Decomposition- Bacteria and fungi use decaying plant or animal materials as fuel. carbon is returned to the atmosphere when these decomposers respire.
Describe the 5 main processes involved in the Nitrogen cycle
Nitrogen fixation- nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia by nitrogen fixing bacteria.
this can be taken up by plants.
Nitrification- this is the conversion of ammonia to nutrients and then nitrates by soil bacteria.
Assimilation- the Uptake of nutrients by plant roots for use in the manufacture of portions.
Ammonification- is the conversion of nitrogen containing compounds back to ammonium during decomposition of dead plants and animals by saprotrophs.
Denitrification- denitrifying bacteria convert soil nitrates into nitrogen gas, which escapes to the atmosphere.
