Topic 4 - ecology and the environment Flashcards
Define the term population
the whole number of people or inhabitants in a country or region
A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
Define the term community.
a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
All the different populations that live together in an area.
Define the term habitat.
the natural home or environment of a plant, animal, or other organism.
The natural environment in which an organism lives.
Define the term _______.
Ecosystem
A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.
What is the purpose of using quadrats in a practical investigation?
To investigate the population size of an organism in two different areas.
List two types of factors that affect the population size and distribution of organisms.
- Abiotic factors
- Biotic factors
What are the names given to different trophic levels?
- Producers
- Primary consumers
- Secondary consumers
- Tertiary consumers
- Decomposers
What is a food chain?
A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass.
What is a food web?
A complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.
What do pyramids of number represent?
The number of organisms at each trophic level in a food chain.
What do pyramids of biomass represent?
The total mass of living matter at each trophic level.
What do pyramids of energy transfer illustrate?
The flow of energy through different trophic levels.
Why is only about 10% of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next?
Because energy is lost as heat and through metabolic processes.
What are the stages in the carbon cycle?
- Respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Decomposition
- Combustion
What are the biological consequences of pollution of air by sulfur dioxide?
Acid rain and respiratory problems in living organisms.
What are the biological consequences of pollution of air by carbon monoxide?
Reduced oxygen transport in the blood.
List five greenhouse gases.
- Water vapour
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrous oxide
- Methane
- CFCs
How do human activities contribute to greenhouse gases?
Through burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
An increase in greenhouse gases that leads to global warming.
What are the consequences of global warming?
Climate change, rising sea levels, and extreme weather patterns.
What are the biological consequences of pollution of water by sewage?
Eutrophication and harm to aquatic life.
What causes eutrophication in water bodies?
Leached minerals from fertilizers.
