topic 7- ecology

• What is a species?

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

  The environment where a species lives
• How do populations interact in a habitat?

  They create a community through interactions
• What is an ecosystem?

  The interaction of a community with abiotic factors
• Why are organisms adapted to their environment?

  To survive in their specific conditions
• What do organisms compete for?

  Resources like food and space
• What types of competition exist?

  Within a species and between different species
• What do plants compete for?

  Light, space, water, and minerals
• What 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 are examples of stable communities?

  Tropical rainforests, oak woodlands, coral reefs
• What is an abiotic factor?

  A non-living factor in an ecosystem
• How does light intensity affect a community?

  It is required for photosynthesis
• 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 plants?

  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
• What do aquatic animals need for survival?

  High concentration of oxygen in water
• What is a biotic factor?

  A living factor in an ecosystem
• How does food availability affect populations?

  More food leads to successful breeding
• What happens when new predators are introduced?

  They can affect the existing population dynamics
• How do new pathogens affect populations?

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

  When one species outcompetes another
• What are structural adaptations?

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

  Sharp teeth of a carnivore
• What is a behavioral adaptation?

  The way an organism behaves
• Give an example of a behavioral adaptation.

  Basking in the sun for heat
• What is a functional adaptation?

  Involves processes like reproduction
• Give an example of a functional adaptation.

  Conservation of water through little 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 examples of plant adaptations?

  Curling leaves to reduce water loss
• What do food chains begin with?

  A producer, usually a green plant
• What do producers do?

  Make glucose through photosynthesis
• Who eats primary consumers?

  Secondary consumers