Ecosystems and material cycles

• What is a species part of?

  A population in its habitat
• How do different populations interact in a habitat?

  They create a community
• What is an ecosystem?

  Interaction of a community with abiotic factors
• What are organisms adapted to do?

  Live in their environmental conditions
• What happens when organisms need the same resources?

  They compete for those resources
• What types of competition exist among organisms?

  • Competition within a species
  • Competition between different species
• What do plants compete for?

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

  Space, food, water, and mating partners
• 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 plants?

  It affects the rate of photosynthesis
• Why do plants and animals need moisture?

  To survive
• How does soil pH affect plants?

  It affects the rate of decay and nutrient availability
• What is the impact of wind intensity on plants?

  It affects the rate of transpiration
• How do carbon dioxide levels affect plants?

  They affect the rate of photosynthesis
• Why are oxygen levels important for aquatic animals?

  Most fish need high oxygen concentration
• 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 population of prey
• What is the effect of new pathogens on populations?

  They can wipe out populations quickly
• How does competition affect species survival?

  Better adapted species outcompete others
• What is interdependence in a community?

  • Organisms depend on others for vital services
  • Includes food, shelter, and reproduction
• What can affect populations when a species is removed or added?

  It changes prey or predator numbers
• What characterizes a stable community?

  Balance of biotic and abiotic factors
• What is parasitism?

  One species benefits at the expense of another
• What is mutualism?

  Both species benefit from the relationship
• What is commensalism?

  No damage is caused to either species
• How do algae and fungi interact in lichens?

  Algae provide sugars; fungi provide habitat
• What are fieldwork techniques for counting organisms?

  • Use quadrats and transects
  • Estimate populations through sampling
• How can we estimate the number of clovers in a field?

  By sampling and extrapolating results
• What is the first step in estimating clover population?

  Divide the field into equal squares
• How do you select a square for sampling?

  Use a random number generator
• What do you do after placing the quadrat?

  Count the number of clovers in it
• How do you calculate the estimated clover population?

  Average counts multiplied by total squares
• What are positive human interactions with ecosystems?

  • Maintaining rainforests
  • Raising public awareness
  • Reducing water pollution
  • Preserving scientific areas
  • Replanting hedgerows and woodlands
• What are negative human interactions with ecosystems?

  • Greenhouse gas production
  • Introducing non-indigenous species
  • Producing sulfur dioxide
  • Chemicals causing eutrophication
  • Clearing land for development
  • Overfishing
• What programs maintain biodiversity?

  1. Breeding programs for endangered species
  2. Protection of rare habitats
  3. Reintroduction of hedgerows
  4. Reduction of deforestation
  5. Recycling waste
• What is the carbon cycle's role in ecosystems?

  It cycles carbon through living organisms
• How do plants use CO2 in the carbon cycle?

  They remove it during photosynthesis
• What happens to CO2 during respiration?

  It is returned to the air