The living world Flashcards
What is an ecosystem
An ecosystem is a natural system consisting of plants, animals, and the environment, with complex interrelationships between living and non-living components.
what is a biotic component
m. Biotic
components are the living features of an ecosystem such as plants and
fish.
what is a abiotic component
. Abiotic components are non-living environmental factors such as
climate (temperature and rainfall), soil, water temperature and light.
what different ways can ecosystems be scaled
small scaled systems - (ponds etc)
Global scale (tropical rainforest)
Producers
Producers convert energy from the environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars (glucose). The most obvious
producers are plants that convert energy from the Sun by photosynthesis.
Consumers
Consumers get energy from the sugars produced by the producers. A pond snail is a good example
of a consumer because it eats plants.
Decomposers
Decomposers break down plant and animal material and return the nutrients to the soil. Bacteria and
fungi are good examples of decomposers.
Food chain
A food chain shows the direct links (hence the term ‘chain’) between producers and consumers in the
form of a simple line
Food web
A food web shows all the connections between producers and consumers in a rather more complex way
(hence the term ‘web’ rather than ‘chain’)
Nutrient
cycling
Nutrients are foods that are used by plants or animals to grow. There are two main sources of nutrients:
* rainwater washes chemicals out of the atmosphere
* weathered rock releases nutrients into the soil.
When plants or animals die, the decomposers help to recycle the nutrients making them available once
again for the growth of plants or animals. This is the nutrient cycle.
Natural changes to the ecosystem
Ecosystems can handle slow natural changes, with few harmful effects. But rapid changes can have serious effects
Changes to the ecosystem due to human activates
What are the two types of changes that can affect ecosystems?
Natural changes and human-induced changes.
Give an example of a natural change in an ecosystem.
Droughts, floods, wildfires, or disease outbreaks.
How can drought impact an ecosystem?
Reduced water supply can lead to plant death, loss of habitat, and food shortages for animals.
What is an example of human-induced change in an ecosystem?
Deforestation, pollution, urbanisation, or climate change.
How does deforestation affect ecosystems?
It destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and increases soil erosion.
What is biodiversity loss, and how does it affect an ecosystem?
The decline in species variety, leading to weaker food chains and ecosystem instability.
How does climate change impact ecosystems?
It alters temperatures, rainfall patterns, and sea levels, affecting habitats and species survival.
: What is eutrophication, and how does it affect aquatic ecosystems?
Excess nutrients (often from fertilisers) lead to algae blooms, depleting oxygen and harming marine life.
What are global ecosystems also known as?
Biomes.
What is the main factor influencing the distribution of global ecosystems?
Climate, including temperature and rainfall.
Name the seven major global ecosystems (biomes).
Tropical rainforest, desert, savanna (tropical grassland), temperate grassland, temperate forest, tundra, and taiga (boreal forest).
Where are tropical rainforests found?
Around the equator (e.g., Amazon, Congo, Southeast Asia).
