The real ecology quiz review Flashcards
Water Cycle (Hydrologic Cycle)
This cycle describes the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. It includes processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.
Carbon Cycle
This cycle involves the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Key processes include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion of fossil fuels.
Nitrogen Cycle
This cycle describes the transformation of nitrogen and its compounds in the environment. It includes processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification.
Phosphorus Cycle
This cycle outlines the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Unlike other cycles, phosphorus does not have a significant gaseous phase; it mainly cycles through soil, water, and living organisms through processes like weathering, absorption by plants, and decomposition.
Sulfur Cycle
This cycle describes the movement of sulfur through the environment, including the atmosphere, rocks, and living organisms. Processes involved include the release of sulfur dioxide from volcanic eruptions, sulfur oxidation and reduction, and incorporation into organic compounds.
Oxygen Cycle
This cycle involves the movement of oxygen through the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Key processes include photosynthesis (where plants produce oxygen) and respiration (where organisms consume oxygen).
Define abiotic factor and biotic factor
Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem (e.g., temperature, water). Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals).
List the levels of ecology from smallest to largest
Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biome, Biosphere.
Differentiate between a population, a community, and an ecosystem
Population: group of the same species in an area; Community: all living organisms in an area; Ecosystem: living and non-living components in an area.
What is another name for primary producers?
Autotrophs
Give three examples of organisms that are primary producers
Plants, algae, some bacteria.
What two processes can producers use to convert energy?
Photosynthesis (solar energy) and chemosynthesis (chemical energy).
What is another name for a consumer?
Heterotrophs
List the categories that classify consumers
Herbivores, Carnivores, Omnivores, Detritivores, Decomposers.
Can a consumer fit into more than one category?
Yes, for example, bears are omnivores (eat plants and animals).
