P2. Ecology

• What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?

  The Sun
• How are materials like carbon and water recycled in ecosystems?

  Through respiration and photosynthesis
• What do ecosystems consist of?

  Communities of animals and plants
• Why is interdependence important in ecosystems?

  Species depend on each other for survival
• What happens if one species is removed from a community?

  It can affect the whole community
• What characterizes a stable community?

  Balance of species and environmental factors
• What are abiotic factors?

  Non-living components of the environment
• Name two abiotic factors that can affect a community.

  Light intensity and temperature
• How do biotic factors differ from abiotic factors?

  Biotic factors are living components
• What is an example of a biotic factor?

  Availability of food
• What are adaptations in organisms?

  Features that enable survival in environments
• What are extremophiles?

  Organisms living in extreme environments
• What role do producers play in ecosystems?

  They synthesize biomass for life
• What begins all food chains?

  A producer
• What is the relationship between predators and prey in a stable community?

  They rise and fall in cycles
• What materials cycle through ecosystems?

  Carbon and water
• Why is the carbon cycle important?

  It returns carbon to the atmosphere
• What does the water cycle provide?

  Fresh water for plants and animals
• What is the effect of anaerobic decay?

  Produces methane gas
• How do temperature, water, and oxygen affect decay?

  They influence the rate of decay
• What is the impact of environmental changes on species distribution?

  They can alter species distribution
• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of species on Earth
• Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

  It ensures ecosystem stability
• What human activities threaten biodiversity?

  Waste, deforestation, and global warming
• What causes pollution in water?

  Sewage and fertilizer
• What are the key components of an ecosystem?

  • Biotic factors (living organisms)
  • Abiotic factors (non-living components)
  • Interdependence among species
  • Competition for resources
• What are the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on communities?

  • Abiotic factors: light, temperature, moisture, soil pH
  • Biotic factors: food availability, predators, pathogens
  • Both influence species distribution and interactions
• What are the types of adaptations organisms can have?

  • Structural adaptations (physical features)
  • Behavioral adaptations (actions)
  • Functional adaptations (internal processes)
• How do food chains illustrate feeding relationships?

  • Start with producers
  • Followed by primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers
  • Show energy flow through ecosystems
• What is the significance of the carbon and water cycles?

  • Carbon cycle: returns carbon to atmosphere for photosynthesis
  • Water cycle: provides fresh water for terrestrial life
  • Both are essential for ecosystem health
• What factors influence the rate of decay in biological materials?

  • Temperature
  • Water availability
  • Oxygen levels
• How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem stability?

  It reduces species dependence for resources
• Why is maintaining biodiversity crucial for humans?

  It ensures resources for future generations
• What human activities are reducing biodiversity?

  Pollution, deforestation, and waste production
• What are the impacts of waste on biodiversity?

  It causes pollution that kills organisms
• What types of pollution can occur?

  Water, air, and land pollution
• How does land use affect biodiversity?

  It reduces habitat availability for species
• What is a consequence of peat bog destruction?

  Reduced biodiversity in that habitat
• What happens when peat is decayed or burned?

  Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere
• What are the reasons for large-scale deforestation?

  Land for cattle and biofuel crops