Biology Concepts: Ecosystems and Adaptations

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Heterotrophs can photosynthesize, while autotrophs cannot.

Autotrophs can produce their own food, whereas heterotrophs must consume others. (correct)

Autotrophs are always plants, while heterotrophs can be plants or animals.

Autotrophs consume organic matter while heterotrophs produce it.

Which of the following correctly defines ecological succession?

The gradual changing of communities from one type to another over time. (correct)

The competition between species for limited resources in an area.

The ability of organisms to adapt to their environment suddenly.

The abrupt disappearance of species in an ecosystem.

What role do denitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

They convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.

They help in the assimilation of nitrate by plants.

They fix nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

They release nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere. (correct)

What is the significance of the 10% Rule in an ecosystem?

It states that only 10% of energy is retained at each trophic level. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession starts with soil formation, whereas secondary succession starts with pre-existing soil. Signup and view all the answers

What role do denitrifying bacteria play?

Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Which period in human history is the cause of today's environmental problems?

The Industrial Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What are the natural benefits of forest fires?

Forest fires can clear out underbrush, create space for new growth, and release nutrients back into the soil. Signup and view all the answers

What is a carbon sink?

A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide than it releases. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the carbon cycle.

The carbon cycle is the continuous movement of carbon atoms between the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the phosphorus cycle.

The phosphorus cycle is the movement of phosphorus atoms through rocks, soil, water, and living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the nitrogen cycle.

The nitrogen cycle is the continuous movement of nitrogen atoms through the Earth's atmosphere, soil, and living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are biomes? Which biome is associated with a temperate climate?

Biomes are large-scale ecosystems characterized by specific climate conditions and plant and animal life. The temperate deciduous forest biome is associated with a temperate climate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between latitude and longitude?

Latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator, while longitude measures the distance east or west of the prime meridian. Signup and view all the answers

How does the angle of insolation vary with latitude?

The angle of insolation, or the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface, decreases as you move away from the equator towards the poles. Signup and view all the answers

What is orographic rain / rain-shadow effect?

Orographic rain occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range, causing it to cool and condense, resulting in rainfall. The leeward side of the mountain range experiences a rain shadow effect, receiving less precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a contour interval?

A contour interval is the vertical difference in elevation between adjacent contour lines on a topographic map. Signup and view all the answers

Calculate the carbon emissions from a burning tree using the equation: Log M= 1.25+2.66(Log D)

You need to know the diameter of the tree (D) in meters to plug into the equation and calculate the carbon emissions (M). Signup and view all the answers

What is the Keeling Curve?

The Keeling Curve is a graph that shows the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere over time. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Keeling curve show a zig-zag pattern of carbon emissions?

The zig-zag pattern in the Keeling Curve reflects seasonal variations in carbon dioxide levels, with higher concentrations during the winter months when plant respiration dominates. Signup and view all the answers

Calculate the speed and or time travelled by a P wave or S Wave

The speed of P waves and S waves are dependent upon the density of the medium they are traveling through. The speed of these waves also influences the amount of time it takes for them to travel a certain distance. Signup and view all the answers

Describe parts of Earth's interior / surface.

The Earth's interior consists of a solid inner core, a liquid outer core, a mantle, and a thin crust. The Earth's surface is characterized by continents, oceans, mountains, and other landforms. Signup and view all the answers

Recognize types of plate boundary (Transform / Subduction / Diversion (Rift)

Transform plate boundaries occur when plates slide past each other horizontally. In subduction zones, one plate slides beneath another. Divergent plate boundaries occur when plates move apart, creating new crust. Signup and view all the answers

What is Continental Drift? Who proposed it?

Continental drift is the theory that the Earth's continents have moved over geological time. It was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abiotic vs Biotic Factors

Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem (e.g., temperature, sunlight, water).
Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals, microorganisms).

Meniscus

The curved upper surface of a liquid in a container.

Food Web vs Food Chain

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where each organism feeds on the one below it.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring.

Adaptation

An inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction in its specific environment.

Producer vs Consumer

Producers (autotrophs) make their own food (e.g., through photosynthesis).
Consumers (heterotrophs) obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Autotroph vs Heterotroph

Autotrophs produce their own food.
Heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy and nutrients.

The 10% Rule

Only about 10% of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next.

Energy Transfer in a Trophic Pyramid

Calculate the energy transferred by multiplying the energy at the previous level by 0.1 (10%).

Photosynthesis Formula

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Cellular Respiration Formula

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Climax Community

A stable, mature community that undergoes little change in species composition.

Ecological Succession

The gradual process of change and development in an ecosystem brought about by the activities of organisms.

Primary vs Secondary Succession

Primary succession begins in lifeless areas (e.g., bare rock).
Secondary succession occurs in areas where a community has been removed but the soil remains (e.g., after a forest fire).

Pioneer Species

The first species to colonize a barren or disturbed area.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a usable form for plants.

Denitrifying Bacteria

Bacteria that convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.

Cause of Today's Environmental Problems

Human industrial activity is a significant cause.

Natural Benefits of Forest Fires

Forest fires can promote regeneration of vegetation, clear dead material, and make way for new growth.

Carbon Sink

A reservoir that stores carbon, such as forests or oceans.

The Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon moves through the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere.

The Phosphorus Cycle

The movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

The Nitrogen Cycle

The process through which nitrogen circulates among the atmosphere, soil, water, and organisms.

Biomes

Major life zones characterized by specific climate conditions, vegetation, and animal life.
Temperate deciduous forest is an example, characterized by a temperate climate.

Latitude vs Longitude

Latitude measures distance north or south of the equator.
Longitude measures distance east or west of the prime meridian.

Angle of Insolation and Latitude

The angle of insolation (sun's rays) decreases with increasing latitude.

Orographic Rain/Rain-Shadow Effect

A weather phenomenon where moisture-laden winds are forced to rise over a mountain range, leading to precipitation on one side and aridity on the other.

Contour Interval

The difference in elevation between two contour lines on a map.

Calculating Carbon Emissions from Burning a Tree

Use the equation: Log M = -1.25 + 2.66 (Log D). (M=mass of carbon dioxide in kg, D= Diameter in meters)

The Keeling Curve

A graph of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration over time, showing an upward trend.

Zig-Zag Pattern of Keeling Curve

The zig-zag pattern in the Keeling Curve is mainly attributed to seasonal fluctuations in plant growth, absorbing CO2. Human activity is also a factor.

P-Wave and S-Wave Speed/Travel Time

P-waves and S-waves (earthquake waves) travel at different speeds and times, depending on the density and elasticity of the material through which they pass.

Earth's Interior and Surface Features

The Earth's interior includes the crust, mantle, and core.
The Earth's surface includes continents, oceans, and mountains.

Types of Plate Boundaries

Transform boundaries: Plates slide past each other.
Divergent boundaries: Plates move apart.
Convergent boundaries (subduction): Plates collide, with one sliding beneath the other.

Continental Drift

The theory that continents have moved over geologic time relative to each other.
Proposed by Alfred Wegener.

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Description

Test your knowledge on important biological concepts such as abiotic and biotic factors, food webs versus food chains, and the principles of natural selection. This quiz covers essential topics that help explain the interactions within ecosystems and the adaptations that allow organisms to thrive. Prepare to explore the intricacies of producer-consumer dynamics as well.