Unit 3 Topic 2 Flashcards
Define a Heterotroph
They obtain organic compounds from autotrophs or other heterotrophs.
Identify the different categories of Heterotrophs
Herbivores, Carnivores, Parasites, Detritivores, Decomposers.
Recall the percentage of energy transferred formula
(Net productivity of the organism / Net productivity of the previous trophic level) x 100
Recall the stages of the water cycle
Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Transpiration, Photosynthesis.
Recall the stages of the carbon cycle
Combustion, Respiration, Photosynthesis.
How does nitrogen enter the soil via the nitrogen cycle?
Denitrification, Ammonification, Nitrification, Lightning, Fertilizers.
Define Denitrification
Decomposers break down faeces and dead organisms and return nitrogen to soil as ammonia.
Define Ammonification
Bacteria in soil/roots of legumes fix nitrogen into ammonia.
Define Nitrification
Bacteria in soil converts ammonia into nitrite/nitrate ions
Define a Niche
The role and space that an organism fills in an ecosystem, including all its interactions with the biotic and abiotic factors of its environment.
Define Interspecific Competition
Organisms of different species compete for the same resources.
Define Intraspecific Competition
Different individuals of the same species compete for resources.
Define Competitive Exclusion
One species successfully utilizes a resource at the exclusion of another, they cannot both use the resource.
Define a Keystone Species
A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and functioning of their ecosystem.
Define Carrying Capacity
The size of the population that can be supported indefinitely on the available resources and services of that ecosystem.
