Topic 5 - On The Wild Side Flashcards
What is the name of the area on the Earth and its atmosphere where living organisms inhabit
Biosphere
Define ‘Abiotic Factor’
a nonliving condition or thing, such as climate or habitat, that influences or affects an ecosystem and the organisms in it
Define ‘Biotic Factor’
any living component that affects the population of another organism, or the environment.
Give some examples of Abiotic factors
- Solar Energy Input
- Climate (rainfall,temperature)
- Topography (altitude, slope, drainage)
- Oxygen Concentration
- Edaphic (soil)
- Pollution
- Catastrophes (volcanoes, earthquakes)
Give some examples of Biotic factors
- Competition (Interspecific, Intraspecific)
- Grazing
- Predation
- Disease
- Parasitism
- Mutualism (Both benefit)
Define ‘Anthropocentric Factors’
Factors that arise from human activity
Define ‘Niche’
The specific area where an organism inhabits. The role or function of an organism or species in an ecosystem.
Define ‘Succession’
A community that changes overtime as the conditions improve.
Define ‘Primary Succession’
A process which occurs in a lifeless area, started by a pioneer species that can survive in harsh, unfavorable conditions.
Define ‘Secondary Succession’
A process which occurs after a previous community has been wiped out however not all nutrients are taken from the soil so it’s easier for the population to start again.
What is a Pioneer species
A species, usually plants, which are well adapted to harsh conditions. These organisms are at the start of succession.
What is a climax community
The final stage of succession, usually dominated by trees, is a steady, stable state of vegetation.
What is deflected succession
When human activity alters the course of regular succession.
What are primary producers also known as
Autotrophs
What is a primary producer
An organism that can make their own organic compounds from inorganic compounds. E.g energy created from sunlight via photosynthesis.
