Questions and Answers
What is a biotic factor?
All living organisms and their effects both direct and indirect on other living things.
Which of the following are examples of biotic factors? (Select all that apply)
What is an abiotic factor?
The non-living factors in an environment that affect ecological interactions.
Which of the following are important abiotic factors? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
What is a population in ecological terms?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a community in ecology?
Signup and view all the answers
Define biodiversity.
Signup and view all the answers
What is an ecosystem?
Signup and view all the answers
What does biosphere refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What are ecotones?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the first trophic level contain?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the second trophic level consist of?
Signup and view all the answers
Where can omnivores and carnivores be found in the trophic levels?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a pyramid of energy?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a pyramid of numbers illustrate?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a pyramid of biomass indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Define albedo.
Signup and view all the answers
What are nutrient cycles?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a paradigm?
Signup and view all the answers
What is meant by a paradigm shift?
Signup and view all the answers
Define sustainability.
Signup and view all the answers
What are bioindicators?
Signup and view all the answers
What is ecology?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term environment mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a food chain?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Biotic Factors
- Refers to all living organisms and their direct or indirect effects on other living beings.
- Examples include relationships like predator-prey, disease-causing bacteria, and dead organisms impacting ecosystems.
Abiotic Factors
- Non-living components that influence ecological interactions.
- Important factors include:
- Light availability
- Temperature
- Water availability
- Soil composition and nutrient/mineral presence
- Tidal patterns and salt levels
Population and Community
- Population: a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area at a given time.
- Community: the collective of all populations interacting in a particular area.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem
- Biodiversity: quantifies the variety of species in a specific area.
- Ecosystem: encompasses both biotic and abiotic factors in a specific environment.
Biosphere and Ecotones
- Biosphere: the global sum of all ecosystems where life exists, including land, air, and water.
- Ecotones: transitional areas between different environments, often rich in biodiversity.
Trophic Levels
- First trophic level: consists of producers (e.g., plants).
- Second trophic level: primarily herbivores.
- Omnivores and carnivores: occupy the third trophic level and above.
Pyramids in Ecology
- Pyramids illustrate community structure:
- Pyramid of Energy: displays available energy at each trophic level.
- Pyramid of Numbers: indicates the quantity of organisms at each level.
- Pyramid of Biomass: represents the total mass of organisms at each trophic level.
Albedo and Nutrient Cycles
- Albedo: the percentage of light reflected by surfaces; darker surfaces have low albedo, while lighter surfaces have high albedo (e.g., the moon).
- Nutrient Cycles: essential inorganic nutrients like carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen are recycled through ecosystems continuously.
Paradigms in Ecology
- Paradigm: a set of beliefs and knowledge about ecological phenomena.
- Paradigm Shift: a significant change in perspective or way of thinking regarding ecological issues.
Sustainability and Bioindicators
- Sustainability: practices that allow for prolonged use of Earth's resources without depletion.
- Bioindicators: organisms that signal changes in habitat health, reflecting environmental conditions.
Ecology and Environment
- Ecology: the scientific study of natural environments and the interactions among organisms and their surroundings.
- Environment: the surroundings in which an organism exists, encompassing both biotic and abiotic factors.
Food Chain
- Food chain: a linear sequence showcasing how organisms are interconnected through feeding relationships.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems with this engaging flashcard quiz. Learn the definitions and examples of living and non-living components that affect the environment. Perfect for students studying ecology or environmental science.
