Topic 7: Ecology

• What is the definition of an ecosystem?

  A self-supporting life-sustaining environment
• What does interdependence mean in the context of ecosystems?

  Everything depends on everything else
• What is a community in ecological terms?

  All the different species of plants and animals
• What does biodiversity refer to?

  Variety of life in the same area
• Why is biodiversity important in an ecosystem?

  It contributes to ecosystem resilience and stability
• What is an organism?

  One living thing
• What defines a population?

  Group of organisms that are the same
• What is a community in ecological terms?

  All of the organisms living in an ecosystem
• What does an ecosystem encompass?

  Everything that is living & non-living
• How is the environment defined in ecology?


  The surrounding which an organism lives in
• What is a habitat?


  The environment where an organism lives
• What are the key ecological terms and their definitions?

  • Organism: One living thing
  • Population: Group of organisms that are the same
  • Community: All of the organisms living in an ecosystem
  • Ecosystem: Everything that is living & non-living
  • Environment: The surrounding which an organism lives in
  • Habitat: The environment where an organism lives
• What is biomass?

  Total weight of organisms in an area
• What percentage of biomass is passed through each trophic level?

  10%
• Why is biomass lost at each trophic level?

  Not all parts are eaten and energy is lost
• What are some examples of parts not eaten by organisms?

  Bones and skin
• How is biomass lost through respiration?

  It is lost via water exhalation and urination
• What is one way biomass is lost as waste?

  As urea
• What are the main reasons for biomass loss in ecosystems?

  • Only 10% of biomass is passed through each trophic level
  • Not all parts of organisms are eaten (e.g., cones, skin)
  • Biomass is lost through respiration (water exhalation, urination)
  • Biomass is lost as waste (urea)
• What are biotic factors in an ecosystem?

  Factors that are living things
• What are examples of biotic factors affecting ecosystems?

  • Pathogens
  • Predators
  • Availability of prey/food
• What is the role of moisture content in an ecosystem?

  It affects living organisms' survival
• How does temperature function as a biotic factor?

  It influences the metabolic rates of organisms
• What is the significance of carbon dioxide levels in an ecosystem?

  It is essential for photosynthesis
• Why is light intensity important in ecosystems?

  It affects photosynthesis rates
• What does pH measure in an ecosystem?

  The acidity or alkalinity of soil or water
• How does rainfall impact ecosystems?

  It provides necessary water for organisms
• What is the role of oxygen levels in an ecosystem?

  Essential for respiration in living organisms
• How does wind function as a biotic factor?

  It affects seed dispersal and temperature
• What is the significance of the availability of prey/food in ecosystems?

  It supports predator populations
• How does mineral content of soil affect ecosystems?

  It influences plant growth and health
• 3 Biotic Factors


  Pathogens, Predators, Competition
• 3 Abiotic Factors


  Rainfall, Oxygen levels, Temperature
• What is the first step in laying out a survey area?

  Use 2 tape measures
• What tool is used to create coordinates for the first quadrat?

  A random number generator
• What should be counted in the survey?

  The number of daisies-plantains
• How many times should the counting be repeated?

  10 times
• What is calculated after counting the daisies-plantains?

  Mean number of plants
• What is an adaptation in biology?

  • Features enabling survival in specific conditions
• What are the three types of adaptation?

  1. Behavioral
  2. Structural
  3. Functional