31 Questions
What is a habitat?
The place an organism lives
Which of these accurately describes microhabitats?
Tiny parts of a habitat inhabited by small organisms
What is the focus of microbiomes?
Communities of microorganisms that help each other out
What does the term 'tolerance' refer to in an ecological context?
Variety of environmental conditions in which an organism can survive and reproduce
What is included in a species' niche?
The range of conditions in which it can survive, reproduce, and obtain resources
What is considered a resource for plants?
Soil nutrients
How do amphibians lose water?
Through their skin
What is the Competitive Exclusion Principle?
No two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time
What happens during competition between species?
Species engage in ecological disputes
How does dividing resources affect a community?
It helps determine the number and kinds of species
What is a key behavior of prey in response to their predators?
Learn where predators catch them and avoid those areas
What impact do herbivores have on plant populations?
They affect the size and distribution of plant populations
What is the significance of keystone species in an ecosystem?
They play a vital role in maintaining structure, stability, and diversity
What type of relationship is characterized by one organism benefiting and not the other?
Commensalism
Which term describes a relationship where both parties benefit?
Mutualism
What is ecological succession?
The event of an existing community being destroyed and a new one forming.
What triggers primary succession?
When an area is completely barren with no prior life.
Who are the pioneer species?
Species that are the first to colonize barren areas.
Why does succession happen?
To make the environment more diverse and increase complexity.
What distinguishes secondary succession from primary succession?
Secondary succession occurs in areas where the community is partially destroyed.
How does secondary succession differ in outcomes after natural vs. human-caused disturbances?
Natural disturbances may not always reproduce the original climax, while human-caused disturbances can produce different communities.
Which of the following statements best defines biodiversity?
The variety and abundance of animals, plants, and microorganisms
What are the three components included in biodiversity?
Genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem diversity
Which term describes the total of all genetically based variation in all organisms?
Biodiversity
Which type of biodiversity refers to the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes in the biosphere?
Community ecosystem biodiversity
Which of the following is NOT a type of biodiversity?
Climate diversity
Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service?
Pollinating plants
Which process helps in maintaining soil structure?
Nutrient cycling
What is one benefit provided by ecosystems for weather-related events?
Buffering effects of weather
Which service is NOT considered an ecosystem service?
Constructing buildings
What role do ecosystems play in pest management?
Regulating pests
Study Notes
Habitat, Niche, and Species Interaction
- A habitat is the place where an organism lives.
- A resource is any necessity of life, such as sunlight, water, soil nutrients, nesting space, shelter, and food.
- An organism's niche is determined by its adaptation to its environment, including physical and biological aspects.
Physical Aspects of the Niche
- Organisms adapt to their environment, such as amphibians absorbing and losing water through their skin.
- Plants like cacti are adapted to heat and can store water.
Biological Aspects of the Niche
- The way an organism obtains food is a biological aspect of its niche.
- Each species has a unique niche, preying on different food sources.
Competition
- Competition occurs when more than one organism is after the same resource.
- Ecological disputes arise between organisms competing for resources.
Competitive Exclusion Principle
- No two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time.
Dividing Resources
- Competition helps determine the numbers and kinds of species in a community and the niche each species occupies.
Predation and Herbivory
- Prey learn to avoid areas where predators are most active.
Succession
Primary and Secondary Succession
- Ecological succession is the process of a new community emerging after the destruction of an existing one.
- Primary succession occurs in barren areas, while secondary succession occurs in areas where an existing community has been disturbed.
- Pioneer species are the first to colonize barren areas.
Why Succession Happens
- Succession increases diversity and complexity in ecosystems.
Climax Communities
- Climax communities are the final stage of succession.
Succession After Natural Disturbances
- Secondary succession can reproduce the original climax community after natural disturbances.
Succession After Human-Caused Disturbances
- Secondary succession can take different paths and produce different communities after human-caused disturbances.
Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Resilience
Types of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity is the total of all genetically based variation in all organisms.
- Biodiversity includes ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity.
Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity
- Ecosystem services include benefits like purifying water, buffering weather effects, pollinating, regulating pests, food production, nutrient cycling, and maintaining soil structure.
- Ecosystem services are essential for maintaining biodiversity.
This quiz covers the basics of habitats, niches, and species interaction in communities and ecosystems. Learn about the place an organism lives and how species interact with each other.
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