Biology Chapter 6: Habitats and Species Interaction

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Questions and Answers

What is a habitat?

The resources an organism needs to survive and reproduce

The interactions between organisms

The place an organism lives (correct)

The physical and biological conditions required for an organism

Which of these accurately describes microhabitats?

Areas far apart from each other

Tiny parts of a habitat inhabited by small organisms (correct)

Large areas where large organisms live

Regions with no biological interactions

What is the focus of microbiomes?

Regions with no biological activity

Communities of microorganisms that help each other out (correct)

Communities of large animals

Interactions between plants and animals

What does the term 'tolerance' refer to in an ecological context?

Variety of environmental conditions in which an organism can survive and reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What is included in a species' niche?

The range of conditions in which it can survive, reproduce, and obtain resources Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a resource for plants?

Soil nutrients Signup and view all the answers

How do amphibians lose water?

Through their skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

No two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time Signup and view all the answers

What happens during competition between species?

Species engage in ecological disputes Signup and view all the answers

How does dividing resources affect a community?

It helps determine the number and kinds of species Signup and view all the answers

What is a key behavior of prey in response to their predators?

Learn where predators catch them and avoid those areas Signup and view all the answers

What impact do herbivores have on plant populations?

They affect the size and distribution of plant populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of keystone species in an ecosystem?

They play a vital role in maintaining structure, stability, and diversity Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship is characterized by one organism benefiting and not the other?

Commensalism Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a relationship where both parties benefit?

Mutualism Signup and view all the answers

What is ecological succession?

The event of an existing community being destroyed and a new one forming. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers primary succession?

When an area is completely barren with no prior life. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the pioneer species?

Species that are the first to colonize barren areas. Signup and view all the answers

Why does succession happen?

To make the environment more diverse and increase complexity. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes secondary succession from primary succession?

Secondary succession occurs in areas where the community is partially destroyed. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best defines biodiversity?

The variety and abundance of animals, plants, and microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What are the three components included in biodiversity?

Genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the total of all genetically based variation in all organisms?

Biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of biodiversity refers to the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes in the biosphere?

Community ecosystem biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of biodiversity?

Climate diversity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service?

Pollinating plants Signup and view all the answers

Which process helps in maintaining soil structure?

Nutrient cycling Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit provided by ecosystems for weather-related events?

Buffering effects of weather Signup and view all the answers

Which service is NOT considered an ecosystem service?

Constructing buildings Signup and view all the answers

What role do ecosystems play in pest management?

Regulating pests Signup and view all the answers

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.

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Description

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.