topic 2 Flashcards
ecology
studies how organisms interact with their environment and other organisms.
biosphere
an ecological system composed of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
ecosystem
a dynamic system of biotic and abiotic components that interact with each other through the transfer of energy and the cycling of matter within a specific environment.
population
a group of the same species living in the same area at a specific time and can interbreed.
community
groups of different populations in an area/habitat.
what is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
they recycle nutrients by breaking down organic material.
how much energy is typically transferred between trophic levels?
about 10%.
what is the difference between producers and consumers?
producers: convert energy, eg. (photosynthesis).
consumers: obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
species
group of living organisms sharing common characteristics that interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
dichotomous key
Insects
/ \
Large wings Small or no wings
| / \
Butterfly Very long Shorter rear
rear legs legs
/ \ / \
Antenna in Antenna on Horned Not horned
front of head top of head head head
| | | / \
Grasshopper Cricket Beetle Small eyes Big eyes
| |
Ant Lady bug
biotic factors
living physical factors in an ecosystem affecting an organism. eg. plants, animals, insects, fungi, bacteria etc.
abiotic factors
non-living physical factors in an ecosystem affecting an organism. eg. light, temperature, water (precipitation, currents), soil, mineral nutrients, pH etc.
ecological niche
the role of a species in an ecosystem.
symbiosis
two different species who live together in a close relationship.
name three types of symbiotic relationships.
mutualism, commensalism, parasitism
