Ecology

• What is an ecosystem?

  An ecosystem is the interaction between a community of living organisms and their environment.
• What defines a community in ecological terms?

  A community is two or more populations of organisms.
• How is an ecosystem different from a community?

  An ecosystem includes the interactions between populations of organisms and their environment, while a community consists only of the populations of organisms.
• What is a population?

  A population is all the organisms of the same or closely-related species in an area.
• What are the levels of organization within an ecosystem?

  • Producer: Plants and algae that photosynthesize.
  • Primary consumer: Herbivores that eat producers.
  • Secondary consumer: Carnivores that eat primary consumers.
  • Tertiary consumer: Carnivores that eat secondary consumers.
• What are producers in an ecosystem?

  Producers are plants and algae, which photosynthesize.
• Who are primary consumers in an ecosystem?

  Primary consumers are herbivores, which eat producers.
• What do secondary consumers eat?

  Secondary consumers are carnivores, which eat primary consumers.
• What is the role of tertiary consumers in an ecosystem?

  Tertiary consumers are also carnivores that eat secondary consumers.
• What is interdependence in an ecosystem?

  • All organisms depend on each other.
  • Changes in one population can affect others.
  • Example: If foxes are killed, rabbit populations may increase, affecting grass levels.
• What happens to the ecosystem if the population of foxes decreases?

  The population of rabbits would increase, leading to a decrease in grass due to overgrazing.
• Why can small changes in ecosystems have large consequences?

  Because all organisms in an ecosystem are dependent upon each other, small changes can disrupt the balance.
• What do plants and animals compete for in an ecosystem?

  • Plants compete for light, space, water, and minerals.
  • Animals compete for food, mates, and territory.
• What is a stable community?

  A stable community is one in which the size of the populations of all species remain relatively constant over time.
• What abiotic factors affect the abundance and distribution of organisms?

  • Light intensity
  • Temperature
  • Moisture levels
  • Soil pH content
  • Soil mineral content
  • Wind intensity and direction
  • Carbon dioxide levels for plants
  • Oxygen levels for aquatic animals
• How does light intensity affect plant growth?

  Some plants have evolved for optimum growth in bright sunlight, while others grow best in shade.
• What happens if a cactus is placed in a dark corner?

  The cactus would not grow well because it has evolved for optimum growth in bright sunlight.
• Why do some plants die in waterlogged soils?

  Because their roots are unable to respire, leading to rot and death of the plant.
• What is the effect of soil pH on plant growth?

  The pH of soils can greatly affect which plants can grow in them.
• How do hydrangea flowers change color based on soil pH?

  Hydrangea flowers are blue in acidic soils and pink in alkaline soils.
• What role does magnesium play in plant growth?

  Magnesium is required to produce chlorophyll, and its deficiency can lead to yellow leaves.
• How does wind intensity affect organisms in an ecosystem?

  Wind intensity can impact where organisms are found and their growth, as many prefer sheltered locations.
• Why do farmers release carbon dioxide in greenhouses?

  To maximize crop yield by providing higher levels of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
• What is the significance of oxygen levels for aquatic animals?

  Oxygen is essential for aquatic animals to survive, and low levels can lead to suffocation.
• What biotic factors affect the abundance and distribution of organisms?

  • Availability of food
  • New predators
  • New pathogens
  • Out-competition
• How does the availability of food affect animal populations?

  The availability of food is a major factor in how many animals can live in an ecosystem.
• What impact can new predators have on an ecosystem?

  The arrival of new predators can upset the balance, leading to a rapid decline in prey populations.
• What is ash dieback disease?

  Ash dieback is a disease caused by a fungus that has killed many ash trees since it was first found in the UK in 2012.
• What is myxomatosis and its purpose?

  Myxomatosis is a virus that affects rabbits, introduced to reduce their population in the UK.
• How did the introduction of grey squirrels affect red squirrels?

  Grey squirrels out-competed red squirrels for resources, leading to a dramatic reduction in red squirrel populations.
• What are the types of competition in ecosystems?

  • Interspecific competition: Between different species.
  • Intraspecific competition: Within the same species.
• How do plants compete for light?

  Plants compete for light by growing quickly to reach it and often shade other plants.
• Why do some plants have deep roots?

  Some plants have deep roots to find stores of underground water.
• What is survival of the fittest?

  Survival of the fittest refers to individuals within a species that cannot compete effectively being unlikely to reproduce and may die.
• What are the types of adaptations in plants?

  • Structural adaptations: Physical features.
  • Behavioural adaptations: Behaviors that provide advantages.
  • Physiological adaptations: Processes that allow competition.
• What are structural adaptations in plants?

  Structural adaptations are the physical features that allow plants to compete, such as spines or large leaves.
• How do behavioral adaptations help plants?

  Behavioral adaptations, like growing towards light, give plants an advantage in competing for resources.
• What are physiological adaptations in plants?

  Physiological adaptations are processes that allow plants to compete, such as the formation of poisons for defense.
• What are the types of adaptations in animals?

  • Structural adaptations: Physical features.
  • Behavioural adaptations: Behaviors that provide advantages.
  • Physiological adaptations: Processes that allow competition.
• How do structural adaptations benefit animals?

  Structural adaptations are physical features that help animals survive and reproduce in their environment.