science Flashcards
what is the definition of ecology
The study of organisms and how they react
What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors? Give 3 examples of each kind in a marine ecosystem.
biotic-living: parrot, toucan, monkey
abiotic-non living: rock, water, dirt
Starting with an individual, what are the 6 levels of organization in the environment?
organism, population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphere
What is the difference between a population, a community, and an ecosystem?
A population is all of one species living in an area, a community is various groups of living species found in one certain area. an ecosystem are all the biotic and abiotic factors in the area
what is a biome? give an exampls
A biome is a large area characterized by its vegetation, soil, climate, and wildlife. Grassland is a good example.
Why might scientists use a tag and recapture method to study a population of fish?
It is way less expensive and helps show numbers and distribution of fish poplations
All organisms need _______________. What are the 3 main types of organisms in an ecosystem classified by how they obtain it?
all organisms need energy.
producers-plants, get energy by sunlight
herbivore-energy by eating plants
carnivore-energy eating animals
What is another name for the word producer? What is an example of a producer in a marine ecosystem?
Another word for producer would be autotrophic, which in a marine ecosystem could be seaweed or seagrass.
What is another name for the word consumer? What are the 4 types of consumers we went over in class?
Another word for consumer could be heterotropic, which in a marine ecosystem could be a shark, turtle, big fish, and zooplankton.
What is the name for the organisms that obtain energy by breaking down dead organisms? What is an example in the marine ecosystem? Why are these animals so important to a marine food web?
decomposers obtain energy by breaking down dead organisms. In a marine ecosystem, this could be crestations and mollusks. Once eating dead and decayed organisms, they release vital nutrients into the ocean ecosystem.
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web? Which is a more accurate reflection of what occurs in nature? Which has more biodiversity?
A food web is a way more accurate reflection what occurs in nature. A food web also has more biodiversity.
What type of organisms are on the bottom of a trophic pyramid? What type of organisms are on the top?
At the bottom, there are the primary producers which are made up of phytoplankton and small plants. At the top, there are the apex predators, which is mostly made up of sharks.
What is the 10% rule about the movement of energy through a food web? Is there less energy, biomass, and fewer organisms at higher or lower trophic levels?
Every time an organism is consumed and passed up to the top of the trophic pyramid, only %10 of its energy is passed to whatever consumes it. So, there is less energy and biomass in the higher trophic levels.
What organism did you have for the “Who Am I?” Activity? Where did your organism fall in the trophic pyramid and why?
I had the Caribbean reef octopus, which is a secondary consumer, putting it in the 3rd trophic level
What is a keystone species? Give one example of a keystone species and explain its role in its ecosystem.
A keystone species is an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem. without that species, the ecosystem would not survive. The american beaver is a keystone species, they create, modify, and maintain habitat and ecosystems.
What is an invasive species? Give one example.
An invasive species is a species of animal that harms native species, and does not belong. The zebra Mussel is an example of an invasive species.
What are 3 characteristics of a ‘successful’ invasive species?
- can easily adapt to new habitats
- can outcompete the native species.
3.Can produce lots of offspring.
Choose one animal you studied from our Organism Research. Tell its role (trophic level) in its ecosystem.
I studies the comb jelly, wich eats zooplankton, and is on the primary consumer-the 2nd triphic level
Draw a trophic pyramid for an ecosystem of your choosing. Include 4 or 5 levels. Label each trophic level.
5th trophic level: Apex predators-shark
4th trophic level: third level consumers-big fish
3rd trophic level: 2nd level consumers-small fish
2nd trophic level: primary consumers-zooplankton
1st trophic level: primary producers-phytopplankton
