Year 11 Ecosystems Flashcards
What is Ecology
the study of interactions of organisms with physical environment and other organisms
Ecosystem
a community of biotic and abiotic factors and their interactions
Population
a group of organisms of the same species in a region
Community
a group of interacting populations of different species in same region
Environment
all physical, chemical and biological factors that affect an organism/community
Habitat
specific natural environment where an organism/population lives and resources necessary for survival/reproduction
Biosphere
global ecological system integrating all living beings and relationships
Topography
physical features of a landscape, that influence the disribution of organisms and ecological processes
Compare the biosphere to the earth
The biosphere is a small strip around the earth
Relationship between an organisms tolerance range and habitat it occupies?
The animal’s habitat is in the optimum tolerance range
Probable stresses on an organism forced in a marginal niche
too much rain, predators, extremes in abiotic factors
Environment classified based off:
their biotic and abiotic features.
Ecosystems classified based off:
biotic and abiotic factors, but typically named after dominant species
List Abiotic factors in an ecosystem
Salinity
Light availability
Temperature
Wave Action
Oxygen levels
Soil type
Wind
Describe Lakes and Ponds
Stagnant water
low oxygen levels
Describe Rivers and Streams
running water
variable light penetration
high oxygen levels
Describe Oceans- Intertidal zones
intertidal zone- close to land
shallow, turbulent wave action
extends from high water mark to permanently submerged
Describe Estuaries
where fresh water and saltwater meet
salt levels and temperature fluctuate
Describe Coral reefs
warm, shallow, clear
high biodiversity
Describe Wetlands
submerged soil
connects land and water
natural filter
Describe mangroves
intertidal zones
provide habitat
temperate coastal rivers, estuaries
how can biotic factors control environment
moving from abiotic factors
eg. burrowing, moving from splash zone
Define Competition
Individuals compete for resource that limits survival/reproduction.
If resource is limited, no competition
Examples of competition
Herbivore and Herbivore
Predators and Predators
Example of collaboration
Killer whales hunting
schools of fish
Define Collaboration
Working together, benefits all species involved
Define Interspecific interactions
relationships between members of different species.
eg cheetah and lion
Define Intraspecific Interactions
Relationships between members of same species
eg male birds
Types of predator-prey interactions
Herbivore –> Producer
Carnivore –> Herbivore
Carnivore –> Carnivore
Describe predator-prey relationship under favourable conditions
With increasing availability of food, the number of predators can increase (but remains less than prey). Prey decrease due to this, increased intraspecific competition, turn to alternative prey.
define seed predators
Predators feed on seeds, seeds become unviable due to digestion
Define Mutualism
both species benefit + +
Define Commensalism
One species benefits and other neither benefits or is harmed 0 +
Example of mutualism (detailed)
Acacia Tree:
-Provides shelter in swollen, hollow thorns.
-Offers food through nutrient-rich nectar.
Acacia Ant:
-Receives consistent food and shelter.
Mutual Benefits:
-Ants protect the tree from herbivores.
-Ants clear competing vegetation.
-Ants protect the tree from pathogens.
-Both species exhibit high interdependence.
Example of Commensalism (detailed)
Barnacles are crustaceans that attach themselves to the skin of whales.
begin as larvae, eventually settle on a solid surface, which can be the skin of a whale.
Once attached, they secrete a cement-like substance that firmly secures them.
As whales swim through plankton-rich waters, the barnacles have ample opportunities to obtain food.
Define Parasitism
One species (parasite) benefit the expense of the other (host) + -
Example of parasitism
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that taps into a host tree’s water and nutrient supply.
While it can produce its own food through photosynthesis, it relies on the tree for essential resources.
This parasitic relationship can weaken the host, making it more vulnerable to other threats.
