Ecology

• What is a community in ecological terms?


  A community is a group of interdependent organisms living in an ecosystem.
• What is the role of abiotic factors in an ecosystem?


  Abiotic factors are non-living factors that can affect a population.
• What is the definition of a habitat?


  A habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
• What does interdependence mean in an ecosystem?


  Interdependence is when plants and animals rely on each other.
• What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?


  Biotic factors are living factors, while abiotic factors are non-living factors.
• What are the limiting factors for population abundance?


  • Light intensity
  • Food supply
  • Predator abundance
  • Intraspecific competition
• What is the role of a producer in an ecosystem?


  The producer is always a plant.
• What is the primary consumer in a food chain?


  The primary consumer eats the producers.
• What is the definition of competition in ecology?


  Competition is the process by which organisms compete with each other for limited resources.
• What is intraspecific competition?


  Intraspecific competition is competition between animals of the same species.
• What are adaptations in organisms?


  Adaptations are special features that make an organism well suited to the environment where it lives.
• What are common adaptations in animals?


  • Camouflage for predator avoidance
  • Fast reflexes for hunting
  • Thick fur for insulation
  • Mating dances for attracting mates
• What is the function of alveoli in the lungs?


  Alveoli provide a large surface area for gas exchange.
• What is the carbon cycle?


  The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is recycled through the environment, including photosynthesis and respiration.
• What is photosynthesis?


  Photosynthesis is the conversion of light, water, and CO2 into glucose and oxygen.
• What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?


  Decomposers break down dead material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
• What are the stages of sustainable food production?


  • Managing fish stocks
  • Genetic modification
  • Mycoprotein production
  • Reducing overfishing
• What is mycoprotein?

  Mycoprotein is a protein derived from the fungus Fusarium.
• How does temperature affect decomposition rates?


  Decomposition rates increase with temperature until enzymes denature at high temperatures.
• What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?


  Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not.
• What is transpiration in plants?


  Transpiration is the loss of water from a plant via evaporation.
• What is the significance of monoclonal antibodies?


  Monoclonal antibodies are produced for specific medical applications and research.
• What is the role of nutrients in the ecosystem?


  Nutrients are essential for the growth and survival of living organisms.
• How do plants absorb minerals from the soil?


  Plants absorb minerals through their roots from the soil.
• What is the impact of overfishing on ecosystems?


  Overfishing can lead to unsustainable fish stocks and disrupt marine ecosystems.
• What is the apex predator in a food chain?


  The apex predator is at the top of the food chain.
• What is the significance of the food chain?


  The food chain illustrates the transfer of energy from one organism to another.
• How does the structure of a cactus differ from that of an apple tree?


  A cactus has spines for protection and water collection, while an apple tree has leaves and bark.
• What is the role of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?


  Carbon dioxide is a reactant in the photosynthesis process, producing glucose and oxygen.
• What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?


  6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
• What happens to carbon when an organism dies?


  When an organism dies, carbon is recycled through decomposition.
• What processes send carbon to the atmosphere?

  Combustion and respiration send carbon to the atmosphere.
• What is the role of detritivores in decomposition?


  Detritivores break down dead material, increasing the surface area for decomposers.
• How does temperature affect enzyme activity in decomposition?


  High temperatures can denature enzymes, slowing down decomposition.
• What is the relationship between transpiration and the water cycle?


  Transpiration contributes to the water cycle by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.
• What is the significance of sustainable food production?


  Sustainable food production ensures enough food to feed the population without harming the environment.
• What is the purpose of genetic modification in food production?


  Genetic modification is used to enhance crop traits for better yield and resistance.
• How does mycoprotein contribute to sustainable food production?

  Mycoprotein provides a low-fat, high-protein food source that can be produced sustainably.
• What is the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems?


  Overfishing can lead to the depletion of fish stocks and disrupt marine food webs.
• What is the role of microbes in the carbon cycle?


  Microbes decompose organic matter, recycling carbon back into the atmosphere.