Ensci: Life processes in the biosphere

• What is a population in the biosphere?

  All individuals of a species in an area
• What is a community in the biosphere?

  All different populations in an area
• What is an ecosystem?

  A community of organisms and their environment
• What defines a biome?

  A large geographical area with specific climate
• What are adaptations?

  Features that suit an organism to its environment
• How do abiotic factors affect organisms?

  They reduce observation and survival rates
• What is a symbiotic relationship?

  A relationship where both species benefit
• What is parasitism?

  A relationship where one species benefits at another's expense
• What is pollination?

  The transfer of male and female sex cells
• What is seed dispersal?

  Spreading seeds by various means
• What are decomposers?

  Organisms that break down organic material
• What role do detritivores play in ecosystems?

  They eat dead material without breaking it down
• What is habitat provision?

  Modification of abiotic factors to support species
• What is lithosere?

  Succession on bare rock
• What are the stages of lithosere succession?

  1. Bare rock exposed
  2. Lichens and moss colonize
  3. Weathering produces soil
  4. Decomposition adds nutrients
  5. Small plant community develops
  6. Climax community reached
• What is primary succession?

  Succession with no vegetation or soil
• What is secondary succession?

  Succession in a disturbed area with soil
• What is hydrosere?

  Succession in aquatic environments
• What are the stages of hydrosere succession?

  1. Microscopic plants and animals settle
  2. Submerged plants appear
  3. Emergent plants grow at pond edges
  4. Climax community forms with stable plants
• What is a climax community?

  A stable community with no further succession
• How does succession affect biodiversity?

  It increases biodiversity and complexity
• What is population dynamics?

  The study of changes in population size or structure
• What factors influence population size?

  Births, deaths, immigration, and emigration
• What is carrying capacity?

  The maximum population size an environment can support
• What are density-dependent factors?

  Factors that impact populations based on size
• What are density-independent factors?

  Factors that impact populations regardless of size
• What is the lag phase in population growth?

  A period of slow growth before rapid increase
• What characterizes R-selected species?

  High growth rates and low survival rates
• What characterizes K-selected species?

  Invest heavily in few offspring with high survival
• What is the impact of invasive species?

  They can disrupt local ecosystems and species
• What is the significance of genetic diversity in populations?

  It is crucial for species survival and adaptation
• What factors are important for conservation plans?

  Breeding rates, sex ratio, and age structure