Ecology

• What is an ecosystem?

  Community of living organisms in an area
• How do plants and animals depend on each other in an ecosystem?

  Animals eat plants, and plants need animals
• What do organisms need to survive?

  Food, water, air, and sometimes a mate
• What are abiotic factors?

  Non-living factors affecting organisms
• Give examples of abiotic factors.

  Light intensity, temperature, water levels
• What are biotic factors?

  Living factors affecting organisms
• Give examples of biotic factors.

  Food, predators, and pathogens
• How can the introduction of a new predator affect a community?

  It can wipe out existing species
• Why do animals need to adapt to their environments?

  To survive in changing conditions
• How are cacti adapted to desert environments?

  Shallow roots, spines, and water storage
• How do snow foxes adapt to their environment?

  They have white fur and small ears
• What is the starting point of a food chain?

  The Sun providing energy
• What happens to energy as it moves through a food chain?

  About 10% is transferred to the next level
• How can you estimate plant population in a field?

  Use a quadrat and multiply by area
• What is a transect in ecological studies?

  A line along which measurements are taken
• What are organic compounds?

  Compounds that contain carbon
• What is combustion in the carbon cycle?

  Burning fossil fuels releasing carbon dioxide
• What is photosynthesis?

  Process where plants absorb carbon dioxide
• How do plants and animals contribute to the carbon cycle?

  Through respiration and decomposition
• What happens during decay?

  Microorganisms break down organic matter
• How do temperature and water levels affect decay?

  They influence microbial activity and enzyme function
• What is composting?

  Breaking down organic waste for nutrients
• What is biodiversity?

  Range of different species in habitats
• How do human activities impact biodiversity?

  Through deforestation and pollution
• What is the effect of air pollution on animals?

  It affects breathing and camouflage ability
• What is deforestation?

  Cutting down trees for land use
• What is peat?

  Organic material used as fuel
• What gases contribute to global warming?

  Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane
• How does climate change affect polar bears?

  Melting ice reduces their hunting grounds
• How do food chains relate to food security?

  Food chains ensure availability of food sources
• What is the significance of increasing food production?

  It reduces reliance on imports
• What is sustainable fishing?

  Fishing that maintains fish populations
• How can microorganisms be used in food production?

  As a sustainable food source
• What are the processes involved in the carbon cycle?

  • Combustion of fossil fuels
  • Photosynthesis by plants
  • Respiration by animals and plants
  • Decomposition of organic matter
  • Formation of fossil fuels
• What are the steps of the water cycle?

  1. Evaporation from water bodies
  2. Condensation into clouds
  3. Precipitation as rain
  4. Infiltration into soil
  5. Runoff into rivers and lakes
  6. Uptake by plants
  7. Transpiration back into the atmosphere
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of human impact on ecosystems?

  Strengths:

  • Increased food production
  • Technological advancements

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Habitat destruction
  • Pollution
  • Loss of biodiversity
• What are the effects of climate change on ecosystems?

  • Altered habitats for species
  • Changes in food availability
  • Increased vulnerability of species
  • Shifts in species distribution
• What are the impacts of pollution on ecosystems?

  • Changes in water chemistry
  • Harm to aquatic life
  • Bioaccumulation of toxins
  • Reduced air quality affecting animals
• What are the methods to improve food security?

  • Increase local food production
  • Sustainable fishing practices
  • Use of fertilizers responsibly
  • Develop alternative food sources
• What are the adaptations of organisms to their environments?

  • Physical adaptations (e.g., coloration, body structure)
  • Behavioral adaptations (e.g., migration, hibernation)
  • Physiological adaptations (e.g., water storage, temperature regulation)