Podcast
Questions and Answers
All of life on Earth exists in a region known as ______.
All of life on Earth exists in a region known as ______.
the biosphere
Groups of different species that live together in a defined area make up a(an) _______.
Groups of different species that live together in a defined area make up a(an) _______.
community
What are autotrophs?
What are autotrophs?
Organisms that use energy they take in from the environment to convert inorganic molecules into complex organic molecules.
The series of steps in which a large fish eats a small fish that has eaten algae is a ________.
The series of steps in which a large fish eats a small fish that has eaten algae is a ________.
Which of the following organisms is a decomposer?
Which of the following organisms is a decomposer?
The total mass of living tissue at each trophic level can be shown in a(an) _________.
The total mass of living tissue at each trophic level can be shown in a(an) _________.
Nutrients move through an ecosystem in ________.
Nutrients move through an ecosystem in ________.
In the nitrogen cycle, what do bacteria that live on the roots of plants do?
In the nitrogen cycle, what do bacteria that live on the roots of plants do?
Which biogeochemical cycle does NOT involve a stage where the chemical enters the atmosphere?
Which biogeochemical cycle does NOT involve a stage where the chemical enters the atmosphere?
When an ecosystem is limited by a single nutrient that either is scarce or cycles very slowly, this substance is called a(an) _________.
When an ecosystem is limited by a single nutrient that either is scarce or cycles very slowly, this substance is called a(an) _________.
What is the definition of ecology?
What is the definition of ecology?
Name the different levels of organization within the biosphere, from smallest to largest.
Name the different levels of organization within the biosphere, from smallest to largest.
How do scientists use modeling to study ecological changes?
How do scientists use modeling to study ecological changes?
How is sunlight important to most ecosystems?
How is sunlight important to most ecosystems?
What is chemosynthesis?
What is chemosynthesis?
Distinguish between autotrophs and heterotrophs. Give an example of each.
Distinguish between autotrophs and heterotrophs. Give an example of each.
What is a decomposer? Provide an example.
What is a decomposer? Provide an example.
Which group of organisms is always found at the base of the food chain or food web?
Which group of organisms is always found at the base of the food chain or food web?
What is an ecological pyramid? Describe the three different types of ecological pyramids.
What is an ecological pyramid? Describe the three different types of ecological pyramids.
Why is the transfer of energy and matter in a food chain only about 10 percent efficient?
Why is the transfer of energy and matter in a food chain only about 10 percent efficient?
What is a biogeochemical cycle?
What is a biogeochemical cycle?
List two ways in which water enters the atmosphere in the water cycle.
List two ways in which water enters the atmosphere in the water cycle.
Explain the process of nitrogen fixation.
Explain the process of nitrogen fixation.
What are some similarities between the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle?
What are some similarities between the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle?
What is meant by 'nutrient limitation'?
What is meant by 'nutrient limitation'?
Study Notes
Key Terminology
- Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems; where all life exists.
- Community: A group of different species living together in a defined area.
Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
- Autotrophs: Organisms that convert inorganic molecules into organic ones using energy from the environment (e.g., sunlight).
- Heterotrophs: Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other foods; includes herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
Food Chains and Ecosystem Dynamics
- Food Chain: A series of steps illustrating energy transfer, such as a large fish eating a small fish that has consumed algae.
- Decomposers: Organisms like earthworms that break down dead organic matter to obtain energy.
Nutrient Cycling
- Biogeochemical Cycles: Nutrients move through ecosystems through cycles, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.
- Nitrogen Cycle: Involves bacteria that convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, essential for plant growth.
- Phosphorus Cycle: The only cycle that does not have a gas phase, so it does not involve atmospheric entry.
Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer
- Ecological Pyramid: A diagram showing energy or matter at each trophic level; includes biomass and numbers pyramids.
- Energy Transfer Efficiency: Typically about 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels; much is used for life processes or lost as heat.
Importance of Sunlight
- Sunlight: The primary energy source for ecosystems, essential for sustaining life processes.
Nutrient Limitation
- Limited Nutrient: A single nutrient that restricts growth in an ecosystem if it is scarce or cycles slowly.
Ecosystem Organization
- Levels of Organization: Ranges from individual organisms to ecosystems and biomes.
- Ecology: The scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment.
Water Cycle
- Water Entry: Water enters the atmosphere via evaporation and transpiration.
Modeling in Ecology
- Ecological Models: Used by scientists to understand complex phenomena such as global warming and its effects on ecosystems.
Similarities in Nutrient Cycles
- Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles: Both involve the atmosphere as a major reservoir and the role of plants in transforming nutrients.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts from Biology Chapter 3 with these flashcards. Each card focuses on essential terms and definitions related to ecosystems and living organisms in the biosphere. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge in biology.
