Environmental interactions

• An Ecosystem is made up of both the living and non-living parts. It includes habitats and communities
• What is the purpose of applying CORMS to practical questions?

  To systematically investigate biological questions
• Why is energy lost from the rabbit to the fox?

  Energy is lost due to metabolic processes and heat
• What does a pyramid of numbers show?

  The number of organisms at each trophic level
• What does a pyramid of biomass show?

  The dry mass of organisms at each trophic level
• What does a pyramid of energy illustrate?

  The amount of energy trapped per unit time and area at each stage of a food chain
• How is biodiversity defined?

  The range and variety of different species of organisms on Earth or within an ecosystem
• What factors are considered when assessing biodiversity?

  Species richness, variation within each species, distribution, and population size
• What would indicate high biodiversity in an environment?

  A large variety of different species that are evenly distributed across the study area
• Why is biodiversity important?

  It contributes to ecosystem stability and resilience
• What methods can quadrats be used for in measuring abundance?

  • Counting the number of individuals of a single species
  • Recording species richness
  • Estimating percentage cover of species
• What is species richness?

  The total number of different species in a given area
• How is percentage cover recorded using quadrats?

  By estimating the approximate percentage of the quadrat area occupied by an individual species
• How would you design an experiment to find the biodiversity of a sunny area versus a shady area?

  By counting the number of different plant species in each area
• How is carbon absorbed from the atmosphere?

  Through the process of photosynthesis in plants
• How is carbon released into the atmosphere?

  Through respiration, combustion, and decomposition
• What are the key processes in the carbon cycle?

  • Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO2
  • Respiration: Animals release CO2
  • Decomposition: Decomposers break down organic matter
  • Combustion: Burning fossil fuels releases CO2
  • Fossilization: Organic matter becomes fossil fuels
• What should be included in a diagram of the carbon cycle?

  Arrows showing the movement of carbon with labels for key processes
• Why does deforestation increase CO2 levels?

  It reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO2
• Why should we reduce our use of fossil fuels?

  To decrease carbon dioxide emissions and combat climate change
• Why will coal run out eventually?

  Because it is a non-renewable resource that takes millions of years to form
• What is the process at point J in the carbon cycle diagram?

  Photosynthesis
• What is the process at point C in the carbon cycle diagram?

  Respiration
• What is the process at point X in the carbon cycle diagram?

  Decomposition
• What is the process at point E in the carbon cycle diagram?

  Combustion
• What is the process at point R in the carbon cycle diagram?

  Fossilization