Unit 4: Interactions with ecosystems

Question 1

Definition of Ecology:

Answer 1

The scientific study of interactions (among organisms/ between organisms and their physical environment)

Question 2

3 key terms in the study of an Ecosystem:

Answer 2

• Population: Living organisms of the same kind in the same area
• Community: The interactions of all populations within an area
• Habitat: The physical environment in which a species normally lives

Question 3

Definition of an Ecosystem:

Answer 3

It is made up of the interactions between a community and its physical environment

Question 4

The level of organisation in an ecosystem:

Answer 4

Organism -> Population -> Community -> Ecosystem

Question 5

3 Main Types of Interactions among organisms of Different species:

Answer 5

• Predator-prey relationship (Causes harm -> Kills for food)
• Mutualism relationship (Both sides benefit)
• Parasitism (Causes harm -> Without killing host)

Question 6

Definition of Predator-prey relationship:

Answer 6

An organism kills and consumes another organism for food

Period of interaction is short

Question 7

Definition of Mutualism:

Answer 7

When two organisms of different species each benefit from the relationship

Period of interaction is longer

Question 8

What do physical factors in an environment refer to?

Answer 8

The Non-living parts of the environment

Question 9

What can physical factors in an environment influence living organisms?

Answer 9

• Distribution
• Behaviour
• Adaptation

(in habitat)

Question 9

Definition of Parasitism:

Answer 9

An organism, known as the parasite, gains benefits from another oragnism, known as the host, and causes harm to the host without killing it

Period of interaction is longer

(Only one side benefits, the other is harmed)

Question 10

The 6 common physical factors in an ecosystem:

Answer 10

• Sunlight
• Temperature
• Water
• pH level
• Air
• Minerals

Question 11

How does Sunlight affect an ecosystem?

Answer 11

• Provides light energy for plants (Photosynthesis)
• Allows organisms to avoid danger and look for food

Question 12

How does Temperature affect an ecosystem?

Answer 12

• Provides warmth
• Affects the Growth, Activities and Survival of organisms

Question 13

How does Water affect an ecosystem?

Answer 13

• All living things require water for their survival
• Provides a suitable habitat for marine life

Question 14

How does pH value affect an ecosystem?

Answer 14

• The acidity or alkalinity affects the types of organisms living in the area

Question 15

How does Air affect an ecosystem?

Answer 15

• Provides carbon dioxide (Photosynthesis)
• Provides oxygen (Respiration)

Question 15

How does Minerals affect an ecosystem?

Answer 15

Plants require essential elements such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus to produce biomolecules needed for its survival.

Question 16

Definition of Adaptation:

Answer 16

Adaptation refers to how a species changes its body and behaviour to better suit its natural environment.

Question 17

How do organisms cope with changing environmental conditions? (physical factors)

Answer 17

They are able to develop adaptive traits to increase their chance of survival and continuity of its kind in the specific area.

Question 18

Definition of Structural Adaptation:

Answer 18

Physical feature of an organism’s body that helps it to survive or reproduce.

Question 19

Definition of Behavioural Adaptation:

Answer 19

Behaviour or a response shown by an organism that helps it to survive or reproduce.

Question 20

How is a stable ecosystem achieved?

Answer 20

When the interreltationships between organisms in a community are maintained

Question 21

What are the factors affecting the stability of an ecosystem:

Answer 21

• Changes in environmental conditions in an ecosystem (Affects organisms’ distribution, behaviour and survival)
• The removal of any organism from the ecosystem (Disrupts food chain)