Ecology

• What is a species?

  A group of similar organisms
• 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, water, and space
• What does interdependence mean in a community?

  Organisms depend on each other for vital services
• What types of competition exist?

  Competition within and between species
• What do plants compete for?

  Light, space, water, and mineral ions
• What do animals compete for?

  Space, food, water, and mating partners
• 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 is an abiotic factor?

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

  It affects photosynthesis and plant growth
• How does temperature affect photosynthesis?

  It influences 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 rates and mineral availability
• How does wind intensity affect plants?

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

  They influence the rate of photosynthesis
• What do aquatic animals need for survival?

  High oxygen levels in water
• What is a biotic factor?

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

  More food leads to 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
• How does competition affect species in a community?

  Better-adapted species outcompete others
• What are structural adaptations?

  Physical features of an organism
• What is a behavioral adaptation?

  Actions taken by organisms for survival
• What is a functional adaptation?

  Processes involved in reproduction and metabolism
• 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?

  Kidney adaptations to retain water
• What are the levels of organization in an ecosystem?

  1. Producer
  2. Primary consumer
  3. Secondary consumer
  4. Tertiary consumer
• What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

  They make glucose through photosynthesis
• What do primary consumers eat?

  Producers for energy
• What do secondary consumers eat?

  Primary consumers for energy
• What do tertiary consumers eat?

  Secondary consumers for energy
• What tools are used to study species distribution?

  Transects and quadrats
• What do stable communities show?

  Population cycles between predators and prey
• What happens when prey populations increase?

  Predator populations also increase