Ecology and Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary benefit of clownfish living among sea anemones?

The clownfish is protected from predators by the sea anemone (correct)

The clownfish increases the oxygen levels around the sea anemone

The clownfish provides nutrients to the sea anemone

The clownfish reduces the carbon dioxide levels around the sea anemone

What is a characteristic of parasitism?

One individual lives with/on/inside a host, causing it harm (correct)

One individual provides nutrients to the other

Both individuals benefit equally

One individual benefits, the other is unaffected

What is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support?

Carrying capacity (correct)

Symbiotic capacity

Biological maximum

Ecological limit

What is the process by which producers convert light energy into chemical energy?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of water in the human body?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of plants in the water cycle?

Taking in water through their roots and releasing water through transpiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbon in living organisms?

Building blocks of all biological molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Direction: photosynthesis produces energy, while cellular respiration releases energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Earth's atmosphere?

To moderate temperatures, keeping the Earth warm Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

Birds Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of an ecosystem?

All living organisms in a specific area and their physical/chemical environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a factor that limits the size of a species population?

Limiting factor Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mutualism?

Two individuals mutually benefiting each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the Earth's crust?

Lithosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of the Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an abiotic limiting factor?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecology

Study of relationships between living organisms and the environment

Ecosystems

All living organisms in a specific area and their physical/chemical environments
Can be large or small, composed of biotic and abiotic parts

Biotic Factors

All living things/components of an ecosystem, including their products and remains
Examples: birds, flowers, people, wood, poop, spider webs, dams

Abiotic Factors

All non-living components of ecosystems
Examples: air, wind, rocks, water, soil, temperature, sunlight

Earth's Spheres

The Atmosphere
- Layer of gases surrounding the Earth
- 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other substances
- Functions: temperature moderation, keeping the Earth warm
The Lithosphere
- The Earth's crust

Limiting Factors

Any factor that limits the size of a species population
Abiotic Limiting Factors
- Temperature, nutrient availability, light availability, water availability, oxygen availability, salinity, pH
Biotic Limiting Factors
- Species interactions or ecological relationships
- Examples: predator-prey cycles, competition, mutualism, commensalism, parasitism

Predator-Prey Cycles

Predator eats prey, leading to increased predator population and decreased prey population
Eventually, predators run out of food, and prey population increases

Competition

Two individuals compete for the same limited resource
Examples: lions and cheetahs competing for the same prey

Mutualism

Two individuals mutually benefit each other
Examples: clownfish and sea anemones, sea anemones provide protection for clownfish, and clown fish lure other fish for the sea anemone to eat

Commensalism

One individual benefits, the other is unaffected
Examples: barnacles attach to whales and gain access to food sources, whales are unaffected

Parasitism

One individual lives with/on/inside a host, causing it harm
Examples: tapeworms are parasites of cats and dogs, tapeworms take nutrients from the host or feed on the host directly

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support
Carrying capacity can increase or decrease if resources are added or taken away

Ecological Relationships

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Photosynthesis: process by which producers convert light energy into chemical energy
Cellular respiration: process by which organisms release energy stored in sugar

The Cycling of Matter

The importance of water
- Makes up about 70% of the human body
- Regulates body temperature
- Cushions internal organs and tissues
- Lubricates joints and organs
- Used to eliminate waste
- Part of blood, carrying oxygen and nutrients
The water cycle
- Water evaporates from surface water, forming water vapor
- Water vapor condenses and falls as precipitation
- Surface water collects in rivers, lakes, and eventually returns to oceans
- Plants take in water through their roots and release water through transpiration
The importance of carbon
- Found in all living things
- Building block of all biological molecules
- Part of muscles, skin, heart, stomach, and other organs