ecology

• What is a species?

  An individual part of a group
• What is a habitat?

  The environment where a species lives
• What is a population?

  A group of individuals of the same species
• What creates a community?

  Interactions of different populations in a habitat
• What is an ecosystem?

  The interaction of a community with abiotic factors
• What do organisms adapt to?

  The conditions of their environment
• What is competition among organisms?

  Struggle for the same resources
• What resources do plants compete for?

  Light, space, water, and minerals
• What resources do animals compete for?

  Space, food, water, and mates
• What does interdependence mean in a community?

  Organisms depend on each other for vital services
• What vital services do organisms depend on each other for?

  Food, shelter, and reproduction
• How does the removal of a species affect a community?

  It can greatly affect other populations
• What characterizes a stable community?

  Balance of biotic and abiotic factors
• What happens to population sizes in a stable community?

  They remain roughly constant
• What are abiotic factors?

  Non-living factors in an environment
• How does light intensity affect a community?

  It affects photosynthesis and plant growth
• What is the effect of temperature on photosynthesis?

  Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis
• Why do plants and animals need moisture?

  To survive and maintain bodily functions
• How does soil pH affect a community?

  It affects decay and mineral ion return
• What is the impact of wind on plants?

  It affects transpiration and temperature
• How do carbon dioxide levels affect plants?

  They affect the rate of photosynthesis
• Why do aquatic animals need oxygen?

  To survive in water environments
• What is a biotic factor?

  A living factor in an environment
• How does food availability affect a community?

  More food allows for successful breeding
• What happens when new predators enter a community?

  They can disrupt existing population balances
• How do new pathogens affect populations?

  They can wipe out populations quickly
• What is competition in ecological terms?

  One species outcompetes another for resources
• What are structural adaptations?

  Physical features of an organism
• Give an example of a structural adaptation.

  Sharp teeth of a carnivore
• What is camouflage in terms of adaptation?

  Coloration that helps avoid detection
• What are behavioral adaptations?

  Ways organisms behave to survive
• Give an example of a behavioral adaptation.

  Basking in the sun for heat
• What are functional adaptations?

  Processes involved in reproduction and metabolism
• Give an example of a functional adaptation.

  Conservation of water through less sweat
• What are extremophiles?

  Organisms living in extreme conditions
• How do organisms adapt to cold climates?

  Smaller surface area to volume ratio
• How do organisms adapt to dry climates?

  Kidneys retain water producing concentrated urine
• What are some plant adaptations for water retention?

  Curled leaves and waxy cuticles
• What are the levels of organization in an ecosystem?

  1. Producers
  2. Primary consumers
  3. Secondary consumers
  4. Tertiary consumers
• What is the role of producers in a food chain?

  They make glucose through photosynthesis