Unit 2:

Question 1

What are Biotic Factors?

Answer 1

The interactions between the organisms, predation, herbivory, parasitism, mutualism and disease are all termed biotic factors.

Question 2

What are Abiotic Factors?

Answer 2

The non-living physical factors that influence the organisms and ecosystem. E.g temperature, sunlight, pH, salinity, precipitation are all considered abiotic factors.

Question 3

What is a niche?

Answer 3

Describes the particular set of abiotic and biotic conditions and resources to which an organism or population responds

Question 4

Fundamental niche

Answer 4

Describes the full range of conditions and resources in which a species could reproduce and survive

Question 5

Realised niche

Answer 5

Describes the actual conditions and resources in which a species exists due to biotic interactions

Question 6

Carrying capacity

Answer 6

The maximum number of a species or ‘load’ that can be sustainably supported by a given area

Question 7

Intraspecific competition

Answer 7

Individuals of the same species competing for the same resources

Question 8

Interspecific competition

Answer 8

Individuals of different species competing for the same resources

Question 9

Species

Answer 9

Group of organisms (living things) sharing common characteristics that interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Question 10

Population

Answer 10

Group of organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time, and which are capable of interbreeding

Question 11

Habitat

Answer 11

The environment in which a species normally lives

Question 12

Population density

Answer 12

Average number of individuals in a stated area

Question 13

S curve

Answer 13

Also known as a logistic growth curve, which begins with an exponential growth and then slows down as it reaches its carrying capacity

Question 14

J curve

Answer 14

Also known as an exponential growth curve, in which the population fluctuates at a rapid rate

Question 15

Mutualism

Answer 15

A relation between two or more species in which all benefit and none suffer

Question 16

Parasitism

Answer 16

A relationship between two species in which one species (parasite) lives in or on another (host), thus harming the host

Question 17

Ecosystem

Answer 17

Community and the physical environment it interacts with

Question 18

Respiration

Answer 18

The conversion of organic matter into carbon dioxide and water in all living organisms, releasing energy

Question 19

Predation

Answer 19

When one animal (predator) eats another animal (prey)

Question 20

Herbivory

Answer 20

An animal (herbivore) eating a green plant

Question 21

Symbiosis

Answer 21

close, long-term interaction between two different species.

Question 22

Commensalism

Answer 22

when one species benefits from the interaction with no effect on the other species.