biology: ecology

• What are the key components of an ecosystem?

  • Biotic components (living organisms)
  • Abiotic components (non-living factors)
  • Interactions among organisms
• How are materials recycled in ecosystems?

  Through respiration and photosynthesis processes
• What is interdependence in an ecosystem?

  Species depend on each other for survival
• What is a stable community?

  A community with balanced species and factors
• What are abiotic factors that affect a community?

  Light intensity, temperature, moisture levels
• What are biotic factors that can affect a community?

  Availability of food, new predators, pathogens
• What are adaptations in organisms?

  Features that enable survival in environments
• What are extremophiles?

  Organisms living in extreme environments
• What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

  They synthesize biomass through photosynthesis
• What is a food chain?

  A sequence showing feeding relationships
• What is the first step in a food chain?

  Producers synthesize molecules
• What is the significance of the carbon cycle?

  It recycles carbon for photosynthesis
• How does the water cycle function?

  It provides fresh water through evaporation
• What factors affect the rate of decay?

  Temperature, water, and oxygen availability
• What is anaerobic decay?

  Decay occurring without oxygen
• What is the impact of environmental changes on species distribution?

  It can alter where species are found
• What are the key ideas in ecology regarding human impact?

  • Humans threaten biodiversity
  • Ecosystems provide essential services
  • Sustainable engagement with the environment is necessary
• What is the importance of interdependence in ecosystems?

  It maintains balance and stability in communities
• What is the specification for GCSE Biology first teaching year?

  2016
• What is the role of microorganisms in ecosystems?

  They recycle materials and nutrients
• What is the required practical activity for measuring population size?

  Measure a common species in a habitat
• What is the significance of sampling techniques in ecology?

  They help determine species distribution and abundance
• What is the importance of calculating mean, mode, and median in ecology?

  They summarize data on species abundance
• What is the relationship between predators and prey in a stable community?

  They rise and fall in cycles
• What is the effect of temperature on decay rates?

  Higher temperatures generally increase decay rates
• What is the role of compost in gardening?

  It acts as a natural fertilizer
• What is the impact of methane gas production?

  It can be used as a fuel source
• What are the types of environmental changes affecting species distribution?

  Temperature, water availability, atmospheric gas composition
• What are the key opportunities for skills development in ecology?

  • Describe levels of organization in ecosystems
  • Suggest factors for competition
  • Explain adaptations of organisms
  • Extract and interpret data from graphs and tables
• What is ced used for in gardening?

  Natural fertiliser for plants or crops
• What gas is produced during anaerobic decay?

  Methane gas
• How can methane gas be utilized?

  As a fuel in biogas generators
• What is the purpose of Required Practical Activity 10?

  • Investigate temperature's effect on decay rate
  • Measure pH change in fresh milk
• Which AT skills are covered by this practical activity?

  AT 1, 3, 4, and 5
• What are the impacts of environmental changes on ecosystems?

  • Affect species distribution
  • Include temperature, water availability, and gas composition
  • Changes may be seasonal, geographic, or human-caused
• What is biodiversity?

  Variety of species in an ecosystem
• Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

  It ensures stability and reduces species dependence
• How do human activities affect biodiversity?

  They reduce biodiversity through various measures
• What are the main sources of pollution affecting biodiversity?

  • Water pollution from sewage and chemicals
  • Air pollution from smoke and gases
  • Land pollution from landfill and chemicals
• What human activities reduce land available for wildlife?

  Building, quarrying, farming, and dumping waste