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Questions and Answers
Which type of consumer is classified as a tertiary consumer?
What form of carbon is primarily found in the atmosphere?
Which process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere?
What is the primary consequence of fossil fuel combustion on the carbon cycle?
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In what form is carbon found in the ocean?
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Which group of nonliving components is included in abiotic factors of an ecosystem?
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What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem's energy flow?
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What percentage of the atmosphere is made up of nitrogen molecules?
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What is a population in ecological terms?
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How do ecosystems relate to communities?
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Which factor is NOT used to classify biomes?
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What is the definition of a biome?
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Which of the following best describes the biosphere?
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What does the study of ecology primarily focus on?
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What role does eco-tourism play in modern society?
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Which aspect is least likely to be a consequence of a lack of understanding of environmental relationships?
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Which process involves the conversion of gaseous nitrogen to ammonia by nitrogen-fixing bacteria?
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What is the primary biome characterized by high temperatures and daily precipitation, known for its rich biodiversity?
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Which bacteria are involved in the process of nitrification, converting ammonia to nitrates?
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In which biome would you likely find species such as sequoias and eucalyptus trees?
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Which process converts biological nitrogen to ammonia through decomposition?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of tropical grassland or savanna?
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During which process is nitrate converted back to nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere?
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Which nutrient cycle involves phosphorus as a crucial component for living organisms?
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What does the term 'ecology' literally translate to?
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Who first developed the concept of ecology?
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How has modern living typically affected people's interaction with natural environments?
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What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
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What is a significant effect of urbanization on people's perception of nature?
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What role does instant communication play in environmental awareness?
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What defines an individual in ecological terms?
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What are modern living spaces often replacing?
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What process releases phosphorus from sedimentary rocks into the environment?
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Which of the following ecosystems is characterized by having permafrost?
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Which biome is often referred to as the 'breadbasket of the world' due to its agricultural productivity?
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In which type of ecosystem are you least likely to find amphibians and reptiles?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the marine ecosystem?
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What type of relationship is described as commensalism?
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Which of these animals would most likely inhabit a desert biome?
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What is a significant characteristic of desert biomes?
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Study Notes
Ecology and Ecosystems
- Ecology is the study of the interactions between living organisms (biotic factors) and their physical environment (abiotic factors).
- The concept of ecology was developed by Ernst Haeckel in 1869.
Hierarchy of Ecological Organization
- Individual: A single member of a species.
- Population: A group of individuals of the same species living together in a particular area.
- Community: A collection of populations of different species interacting and living together in an area.
- Ecosystem: An integration of communities including energy flow into and out of the system.
- Biome: A large geographical area characterized by specific climate conditions, plant communities, and animal species.
- Biosphere: The collective living component of the global ecosystem, supported by the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
Ecosystem Functions
- Energy Flow: Energy flows from the sun to producers (plants) to consumers (animals).
- Nutrient Cycling: Essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus circulate through ecosystems.
Carbon Cycle
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gaseous form of carbon in the atmosphere.
- Photosynthesis by plants converts CO2 into organic compounds.
- Respiration by plants and animals releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.
- Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, accelerate the movement of carbon into the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle
- Nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere and is essential for living organisms.
- Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3).
- Nitrification: Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites (NO2-) and nitrates (NO3-).
- Assimilation: Plants absorb ammonia and nitrates, incorporating nitrogen into their tissues.
- Ammonification: Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing ammonia.
- Denitrification: Bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen.
Phosphorus Cycle
- Phosphorus is essential for living organisms and is found primarily in rocks.
- Weathering: Erosion and weathering release phosphorus from rocks.
- Absorption: Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil.
- Transfer: Animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants or other animals.
- Return: Phosphorus is released back into the environment through decomposition of organic matter.
Types of Ecosystems
-
Terrestrial Ecosystems: Land-based ecosystems with varying climates and vegetation.
- Forests: Tropical rainforests, boreal forests (taiga), and temperate deciduous forests.
- Grasslands: Tropical grasslands (savannas) and temperate grasslands.
- Tundra: Cold, treeless areas with permafrost.
- Deserts: Dry areas with sparse vegetation.
-
Aquatic Ecosystems: Water-based ecosystems.
- Marine Ecosystem: Includes oceans, seas, and coral reefs.
- Freshwater Ecosystems: Includes lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Symbiotic Relationships
- Mutualism: Both organisms benefit from the relationship.
- Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of the other.
- Commensalism: One organism benefits while the other is unaffected.
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Description
Explore the essential components of ecology and ecosystems in this quiz. Test your knowledge on the hierarchy of ecological organization, including individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, and the biosphere. Learn about how energy flows within these systems and the interactions that define them.
