Unit D Chapter 1

Question 1

Name the abiotic factors of a plant’s habitat.

Answer 1

Temperature range, amount of sunlight, soil composition, precipitation.

Question 2

How are harmful algal blooms caused?

Answer 2

If too much fertilizer is carried away from the soil by run-off into streams and lakes, the nutrients can stimulate the growth of algae, leading to a population explosion.

Question 3

What happens when the algae in harmful algal blooms begin to die off?

Answer 3

When the algae begin to die in great numbers, the decomposition requires oxygen. This leads to a reduction in dissolved oxygen in the water, damaging the aquatic life.

Question 4

What is the effect of oilfield injections on the hydrological cycle?

Answer 4

Oilfield injections cause water pumped into the well to remain underground permanently and it is removed from the hydrological cycle.

Question 5

Identify two abiotic factors that also describe a region’s climate.

Answer 5

Temperature range and precipitation.

Question 6

What is the difference between predation and parasitism?

Answer 6

A predator kills its prey and eats it, whereas a parasite feeds off its host while it’s still alive.