Ecology and Biomes Overview

Study Notes

Ecology

Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
This includes interactions between organisms and other organisms (e.g., predation, competition), and interactions between organisms and their physical environment (e.g., temperature, sunlight, water).
Ecology is a multidisciplinary field, drawing upon principles from biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences.

Biomes

A biome is a large area characterized by a specific climate and the types of plants and animals that live there.
Biomes are categorized based on factors like temperature, precipitation, and vegetation.
Examples of biomes include tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands, taigas, tundra, and deciduous forests.
Biomes are dynamic systems that are constantly changing due to environmental factors.
The organisms within a biome are adapted to the specific conditions of that environment.

Ecosystems

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) and their physical environment.
Ecosystems are dynamic and complex systems where organisms interact with each other and their surroundings.
Ecosystems include both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
Energy flows through ecosystems through food webs and trophic levels.
Nutrients are cycled through ecosystems via various processes like decomposition and nutrient uptake.

Populations

A population is a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area and can interbreed.
Populations can be characterized by their size, density, distribution, and growth rate.
Population growth is influenced by birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
Limiting factors such as food, water, and space can restrict population size.
Factors like disease and predation also affect population dynamics.

DNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms.
DNA is a double helix structure composed of nucleotides, each containing a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine).
The sequence of these bases determines the genetic code.
DNA replication is the process of making copies of DNA before cell division.
DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins, carrying out the genetic instructions.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.
It's crucial for producing energy in ecosystems.
Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, typically from the sun.
The process releases oxygen as a byproduct.
Formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Light Energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (Carbon dioxide + Water + Light Energy → Glucose + Oxygen)

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of ecology, biomes, and ecosystems. This quiz will test your understanding of interactions between organisms and their environment, as well as the characteristics and classifications of various biomes. Dive into the dynamic systems that shape our natural world.