Plants and Biodiversity - Topic 4 (Biodiversity), Element 1 Flashcards
What is a food chain?
A sequence showing how energy moves from producers to consumers.
Define the term ‘producer’ in an ecological context.
Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
What are the three types of consumers in a food chain?
- Herbivore
- Carnivore
- Omnivore
What is the role of primary consumers in a food chain?
They directly consume producers.
What is an apex predator?
The top predator in a food chain.
True or False: A caterpillar is a primary consumer.
True.
Fill in the blank: The relationship between living organisms and their physical environment is defined as an _______.
[ecosystem]
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
How does biodiversity benefit ecosystems?
It enhances resilience, recovery, and adaptation to changes.
What defines a plant ‘species’?
Plants that share characteristics and can interbreed to produce similar individuals.
What is a habitat?
The environment where a particular organism lives.
What are the two main factors that determine plant diversity in an ecosystem?
- Biotic factors
- Abiotic factors
What is meant by the ‘niche’ of a plant species?
The specific conditions under which a plant can grow and reproduce.
What happens to a food web if plants are removed?
The food web would collapse.
What is the difference between monophagous and polyphagous organisms?
- Monophagous: feed on one species
- Polyphagous: feed on multiple species
Explain the concept of trophic levels.
Levels in a food chain that represent the flow of energy from producers to consumers.
What factors influence the composition of ecological communities?
Environmental factors such as nutrients, temperature, and biotic interactions.
True or False: All species in an ecosystem are equally important.
True.
Fill in the blank: The study of how organisms interact with their environment is known as _______.
[ecology]
What is the significance of detritivores in an ecosystem?
They consume dead matter and waste, contributing to nutrient cycling.
How do horticulturists manipulate the growing environment for plants?
- Cold frames
- Mulch layers
- Creating humid microclimates
- Shading
What is the relationship between plant diversity and the diversity of consumers?
Higher plant diversity leads to greater diversity of primary and secondary consumers.
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
- Biotic components
- Abiotic components
How does climate affect plant distribution in ecosystems?
It influences adaptations and growth conditions for different species.
What are pioneer species?
First plants to colonize bare ground in a new habitat.
Fill in the blank: A population is defined as all the members of a _______ that live in a specific area.
[species]
What happens to the energy as it moves up trophic levels in a food chain?
Energy is lost at each level due to metabolic processes and waste.
What is the impact of high biodiversity on ecosystems?
It generally leads to healthier and more resilient ecosystems.
True or False: Humans can be classified as both primary and secondary consumers.
True.
What is ecological succession?
The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
What is the purpose of manipulating the growing environment?
To produce more individuals with the same characteristics
This can involve techniques such as using cold frames and mulch layers.
What is a cold frame?
A structure used to protect plants from cold weather
Cold frames help to extend the growing season.
What is the role of mulch layers over winter?
To protect soil and plants from harsh winter conditions
Mulch helps in retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.
How can humid microclimates be created in gardening?
Using gravel trays with water
This method increases humidity around plants.
What is the effect of shading in the summer for plants?
Reduces heat stress and prevents plant wilting
Shading can help maintain optimal growing conditions.
Define carnivore.
An animal that eats other animals
Carnivores are typically predators in the food chain.
Define herbivore.
An animal that eats plants
Herbivores are primary consumers in the food chain.
Define omnivore.
An animal that eats both plants and animals
Humans are classified as omnivores.
What is a predator?
An animal that consumes other animals
Predators play a crucial role in regulating prey populations.
What is prey?
Animals that are consumed by predators
Prey species are essential for the survival of predators.
What are detritivores?
Organisms that eat dead matter and waste
Detritivores are also known as decomposers.
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Break down remains of other organisms
They recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
List the trophic levels in the food chain example provided.
- Frangula alnus (producer)
- Brimstone Butterfly caterpillar (primary consumer)
- Common Wasp (secondary consumer)
- Blackbird (tertiary consumer)
This shows the flow of energy through different species.
What are gardens and greenspaces considered in terms of ecology?
Ecosystems with a wide range of biological interactions.
What is the relationship between plant diversity and consumers in a habitat?
It influences the presence of primary and secondary consumers.
Why is it important to re-evaluate concepts like pests and weeds?
To consider them from a biodiversity perspective.
What is the impact of wildflower plantings on biodiversity?
They provide food for pollinators and enhance biodiversity.
What factors create a unique ecosystem in each garden?
Abiotic factors and site-based factors.
What is herbivory?
The consumption of plants by animals.
What are some plant defenses against herbivory?
- Spines
- Hairs
- Volatile oils
- Toxic chemicals.
What is parasitism in plants?
When one plant species feeds off another, often weakening it.
Give an example of a parasitic plant.
Rhinanthus minor (Yellow Rattle).
What role do insects play in pollination?
They provide pollination services for plants in exchange for nectar or pollen.
What is the relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plants?
Mutually beneficial exchange of nutrients and carbohydrates.
What is phenology?
The study of the timings of natural seasonal events and their relation to climate.
How has the growing season changed in the UK?
It has extended significantly over recent decades.
True or False: The more diversity in an ecosystem, the better it is able to withstand and recover from impacts.
True.
What is the role of botanical gardens in education?
They provide formal and informal education about plants and biodiversity.
How do domestic gardens contribute to biodiversity?
They cover vast land and can create quality habitats for wildlife.
What is the value of community engagement in biodiversity?
It fosters a sense of ownership and conservation of green spaces.
How have traditional views on weeds and pests changed?
They are now recognized as part of the natural garden ecosystem.
What is the significance of a healthy predator community in a garden?
It helps control pest populations naturally.
What is a challenge in changing attitudes towards weeds and pests?
Viewing them as beneficial to biodiversity rather than harmful.
What does the RHS now categorize as part of biodiversity?
Weeds and pests.
What is the significance of re-evaluating concepts like pests and weeds?
To consider them from a biodiversity perspective
What benefits do wildflower plantings provide for biodiversity?
Food for pollinators
How many species is Quercus robur estimated to support?
Around 2300 species
What is the benefit of community orchards for biodiversity?
They provide habitats and food for wildlife
What do windfall apples of Malus domestica feed?
Birds, insects, and other invertebrates
What is a simple way to maintain a meadow area so it looks neater?
Mow around the edges of the meadow
What is the advantage of longer and shorter areas of grass in a meadow?
Allows different species to flower and provides habitats for small animals
True or False: Native plants are always more beneficial for wildlife than non-native plants.
False
What does the RHS recommend planting to support invertebrates?
A mix of plants from different regions with a focus on native plants
What is the characteristic of early senescent fruit trees like apples?
They age relatively fast and develop dead wood and hollows quickly
What type of plants are beneficial for hedgerows?
Native plants and berry-producing species
What role do hedgerows play in agricultural landscapes?
Important habitats and habitat corridors
