Ecology and Environment Concepts Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which type of consumer feeds exclusively on plants?

  • Herbivore (correct)
  • Carnivore
  • Omnivore
  • Scavenger

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

  • To serve as apex predators
  • To produce energy for primary consumers
  • To eat living plants
  • To break down dead organisms (correct)

Why do organisms at higher trophic levels require more food?

  • They receive less energy from lower levels. (correct)
  • They reproduce more quickly.
  • They are larger and need more space.
  • They lose less energy than lower levels.

What does an energy pyramid illustrate?

<p>Energy loss and transfer between trophic levels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about food webs is correct?

<p>Food webs represent a series of interconnected food chains. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily affects the population size of a species in an ecosystem?

<p>Biotic and abiotic resource availability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is biomass generally measured in ecological studies?

<p>In mg/g/kg or pounds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic level typically has the smallest population size?

<p>Top carnivores (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a detritivore?

<p>Worm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are complex food webs considered more stable than simple food webs?

<p>They reduce species vulnerability to extinction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines an ecological niche?

<p>The role of a species within its ecosystem (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of organic matter?

<p>Proteins (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of nitrification in the environment?

<p>To convert nitrogen gas to nitrates for plant use (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the Earth’s spheres is composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen gases?

<p>Atmosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of an ecosystem described as 'self-regulating'?

<p>It can maintain ecological balance independently (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following habitat types is NOT correctly matched with its environment?

<p>Tropical rainforests – primarily aquatic life (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of the absence of an atmosphere on Earth?

<p>Harsh temperature variations and UV radiation exposure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is crucial for the recycling of matter in the ecosystem?

<p>Decay (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason bioaccumulated pesticides cannot easily be excreted from the body?

<p>They are fat-soluble and stored in fatty tissue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process describes the increased concentration of toxins as you move up the food chain?

<p>Biomagnification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of the long-term use of pesticides on pest species?

<p>Development of resistance to the pesticide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one method that farmers can use to combat pesticide resistance?

<p>Applying a greater concentration of pesticide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of agriculture avoids the use of synthetic pesticides?

<p>Organic farming (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes point source pollution?

<p>Pollutants originate from a specific, identifiable source. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of non-point source pollution?

<p>Fertilizer runoff during rain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by water quality indicators?

<p>Factors determining how polluted water is for intended use. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What harm can water pollution cause to aquatic organisms?

<p>It can sicken or kill aquatic organisms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential advantage of organic farming over conventional farming?

<p>Higher market prices for organic products. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of nitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>To convert nitrogen gas into nitrates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes the transformation of nitrates back into nitrogen gas?

<p>Denitrification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be an ecological impact of excess nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Formation of algal blooms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do plants primarily obtain carbon during photosynthesis?

<p>By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct consequence of burning fossil fuels on the carbon cycle?

<p>Increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During what process do animals return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?

<p>Cellular respiration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Return nitrogen compounds to the soil by decomposing dead organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of eutrophication in water systems?

<p>Algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of producers in an ecosystem?

<p>They synthesize their own food through photosynthesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does excess carbon have on the Earth's climate?

<p>It can trap heat and increase global temperatures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transpiration in the water cycle?

<p>It releases water vapor from plants into the air. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which phase of cellular respiration is most energy produced?

<p>Electron transport chain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant human activity impacting the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms is NOT considered a decomposer?

<p>Grass (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes genetic diversity?

<p>Differences among individuals of the same species (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major cause of biodiversity decline?

<p>Invasive species introduction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Overexploitation of resources mainly leads to which of the following?

<p>Extinction of species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary effect of habitat change?

<p>Loss of biodiversity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between climate change and biodiversity?

<p>Species may decline without adaptation to climate change (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do pesticides generally have on non-target species?

<p>They can cause harm to beneficial organisms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to global warming?

<p>Increase in carbon dioxide emissions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of bioaccumulation?

<p>Higher concentration of pollutants in organisms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do invasive species typically cause harm to ecosystems?

<p>They outcompete native species for resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of broad-spectrum pesticides?

<p>They can harm a wide range of non-target organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about agroecosystems is true?

<p>They alter food webs and biogeochemical cycles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of the diversion of water from the Aral Sea?

<p>Decline in the freshwater ecosystem (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Overfishing has resulted in which of the following scenarios?

<p>Severe depletion of certain fish populations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the lithosphere primarily composed of?

<p>Earth's solid outer layer and upper mantle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the hydrosphere?

<p>It encompasses all forms of water on Earth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with living organisms?

<p>Absence of reproduction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best defines the term 'niche' in an ecosystem?

<p>The interactions of a species with its ecosystem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biomes are primarily defined by which of the following factors?

<p>Temperature, rainfall, and types of plants and animals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of sustainability in ecosystems?

<p>Consistency of ecological conditions over long periods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do artificial ecosystems differ from natural ecosystems?

<p>They require ongoing human maintenance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biogeochemical cycle is essential for plant growth and occurs through nitrogen fixation?

<p>Nitrogen Cycle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What illustrates the Gaia Hypothesis about Earth?

<p>Earth resembles a living organism through interactions among spheres. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered abiotic in an ecosystem?

<p>Soil nutrients (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically characterizes deciduous forests?

<p>Trees that lose leaves in autumn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is most likely to disrupt the sustainability of an ecosystem?

<p>Over-hunting and over-fishing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a component of the biosphere?

<p>Natural resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the atmosphere in ecosystems?

<p>To supply gases necessary for life (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

<p>They use the Sun’s energy to produce carbohydrates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can limit population growth in an ecosystem?

<p>Nutrient availability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'carrying capacity' in an ecosystem?

<p>The highest population density a habitat can sustain over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes mutualism?

<p>Both species benefit from the interaction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does predation typically have on prey populations?

<p>It leads to a decrease in the prey population. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the concept of tolerance range for a species?

<p>The limits within which a species can survive and reproduce. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biotic factor can limit a population's growth?

<p>Presence of disease-causing organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies commensalism?

<p>A bird nesting in a tree without harming it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of a drought in an ecosystem?

<p>Plants dying, leading to secondary consumer decline. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do invasive species typically affect ecosystems?

<p>They can outcompete native species for resources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is sustainable use important in ecosystems?

<p>It ensures resources can regenerate for future generations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates parasitism?

<p>A mosquito feeding on human blood. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is ecology?

The study of how living things interact with each other and their environment.

Define 'habitat'.

A place where organisms live.

What are organic substances?

Substances that contain atoms of hydrogen and carbon, often with oxygen and nitrogen. Examples include proteins, sugars, and fats. They make up our bodies.

How would you define inorganic matter?

Substances that do not contain a combination of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), and water (H2O).

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What is a biogeochemical cycle?

The movement of matter through living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts of the environment.

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What is the atmosphere?

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, composed mainly of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).

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What is sustainability?

The ability to maintain natural ecological conditions without interruption, weakening, or loss of value.

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What is an ecological niche?

The role of a species within its ecosystem, including its interactions, habitat, and food sources.

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Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) into nitrates (NO3-) which plants can use.

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Nitrifying Bacteria

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria change nitrogen gas into nitrates, mostly found in soil.

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Decomposition

The process of breaking down dead organisms and releasing nitrogen compounds back into the soil.

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Denitrification

The process of turning nitrates back into nitrogen gas and releasing it into the atmosphere.

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Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food (sugar) and release oxygen.

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Cellular Respiration

The process by which organisms break down sugars (glucose) to release energy, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

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Evaporation

The process of water changing from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) and rising into the atmosphere.

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Condensation

The process of water vapor in the atmosphere cooling and condensing into liquid water, forming clouds.

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Precipitation

Water falling from the sky as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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Eutrophication

The addition of excess nutrients (like nitrogen) to a body of water, leading to excessive growth of algae and other plants.

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Algal Bloom

The rapid growth of algae in a body of water, often caused by eutrophication.

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Ecological Niche

The role of a species within its ecosystem, including its habitat, food sources, and interactions.

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Producers

Organisms that can make their own food through photosynthesis.

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Consumers

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

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What are consumers?

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

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What are herbivores?

Organisms that eat only plants.

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What are omnivores?

Organisms that eat both plants and animals.

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What are carnivores?

Organisms that eat only animals.

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What are decomposers?

Organisms that break down dead organisms and plants, returning nutrients to the soil.

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What are detritivores?

A type of decomposer that consumes material in large amounts and excretes nutrients.

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What are scavengers?

Animals that feed on the remains of dead organisms.

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What is a food chain?

A simple diagram showing who eats whom in an ecosystem.

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What is a food web?

A complex network of interconnected food chains, showing multiple feeding relationships.

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What is a trophic level?

The position of an organism in a food chain based on its feeding level.

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Lithosphere

The solid outer layer of Earth, composed of the crust and uppermost mantle. It's like the Earth's rocky shell, forming mountains, ocean floors, and landscapes.

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Biosphere

The zone around Earth where life can exist, encompassing all living organisms, their interactions, and their environment. It's where life thrives.

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Hydrosphere

All of Earth's water, including oceans, lakes, groundwater, and clouds. It exists in solid, liquid, and gas forms.

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Stewardship

A way of acting that involves taking personal responsibility for the management and care of something. It's about being a good steward of what we have.

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Sustainability

The ability to maintain natural ecological conditions without interruption, weakening, or loss of value. It's about balance and stability over time.

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Species

A group of similar organisms in an ecosystem, sharing common characteristics and the ability to reproduce. It's a group of the same type of living being.

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Habitat

The physical environment of an organism, including the physical features, climate, and resources that influence its life. It's where an organism lives.

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Niche

The role of a species in its ecosystem, including its interactions with other species and the environment. It's how an organism makes a living.

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Biome

A large geographical region characterized by similar ecosystems, with distinct types of plants, animals, and weather patterns. It's a big area with similar living conditions.

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Ecosystem

All of the living organisms that share a region and interact with each other and their non-living environment. It's a community of living and non-living things.

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Biogeochemical Cycle

The movement of matter through the biotic and abiotic environment. It's like a cycle of nutrients circulating through living and non-living parts.

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Artificial Ecosystem

An ecosystem created by humans, requiring human intervention for its maintenance. It's a man-made environment that needs help to survive.

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Planetary Stewardship

A way of acting that involves taking personal responsibility for the management and care of the whole planet. It's about thinking globally and taking action for Earth.

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What is a producer?

Producers use the sun's energy to make carbohydrates (glucose).

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What is a consumer?

Animals rely on other organisms for survival.

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What are abiotic limiting factors?

These factors, like sunlight, water, and soil, influence an ecosystem's population growth.

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What are biotic limiting factors?

These factors, like competition and predators, influence population growth.

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What is tolerance range?

The range of conditions that a species can tolerate, where it can thrive.

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What is competition?

The interaction between two or more organisms competing for the same resource.

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What is predation?

One organism eats another to obtain food.

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What is symbiosis?

A close interaction between two different species.

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What is mutualism?

Both species benefit from the relationship.

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What is commensalism?

One species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped.

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What is parasitism?

One species benefits at the expense of another.

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What is carrying capacity?

The maximum number of individuals that an ecosystem can sustainably support.

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What is sustainable use?

Using resources in a way that meets needs without harming future generations.

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What is population equilibrium?

The number of individuals in a population stays the same over time.

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How are ecosystems interconnected?

Changes in one part of an ecosystem can affect other parts.

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Biomagnification

Pesticides that cannot be easily excreted from the body and become increasingly concentrated in organisms as they move up the food chain.

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Bioamplification

The process of pesticides becoming concentrated in higher trophic levels of a food chain.

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Pesticide Resistance

The ability of a pest species to withstand the effects of a pesticide, making it ineffective over time.

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Organic Farming

The practice of farming without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, relying on ecological methods.

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Water Pollution

Any physical or chemical change in water that can harm living things.

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Point Source Pollution

Pollution entering a body of water at a specific, identifiable location.

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Non-Point Source Pollution

Pollution entering a body of water indirectly through runoff, often from various sources.

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Water Quality

Evaluates the suitability of water for specific uses, such as drinking, swimming, fishing, or industrial processes.

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Biodiversity

The variety of species in an area, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit.

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Genetic Diversity

The differences in genes among individuals of the same species.

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Habitat Change

The process by which humans alter a habitat so that the native species can no longer live there.

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Overexploitation

Using resources faster than they can be replenished, leading to depletion and potential extinction.

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Invasive Species

A species that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm to the environment, often outcompeting native species.

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Climate Change

The long-term changes in weather patterns, often driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions.

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Pest Control

The practice of controlling pests in agroecosystems, often using pesticides.

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Pesticides

A substance used to kill pests, including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides.

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Broad-spectrum Pesticides

Pesticides that are toxic to a wide range of species.

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Narrow-spectrum Pesticides

Pesticides that are toxic to a limited number of species.

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Bioaccumulation

The buildup of a substance, like a pesticide, in the body of an organism over time.

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Biodiversity Loss

The loss of biodiversity due to human activities, including habitat destruction, overexploitation, invasive species, climate change, and pollution.

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Agroecosystem

A complex system involving many interacting species, where agriculture and ecological processes overlap.

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Monoculture

Planting a single species over a wide area, which can increase pest vulnerability and reduce biodiversity.

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Study Notes

Definitions

  • Environment: All living and non-living things on Earth and their interactions.
  • Ecology: Study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment; ecologist is a person who studies ecology.
  • Ecosystem: Self-regulating system of living and non-living interactions.
  • Habitat: Place where an organism lives.
  • Biosphere: Part of Earth where life exists.
  • Sustainability: Ability to maintain ecological conditions without loss.
  • Organic Matter: Contains carbon and hydrogen atoms (e.g., proteins, sugars, fats).
  • Inorganic Matter: Does not contain carbon and hydrogen (e.g., CO2, NH3, H2O).
  • Biogeochemical Cycles: Movement of matter through biotic and abiotic environments.
  • Decay: Crucial for recycling matter.
  • Nitrification: Bacteria converting nitrogen gas to nitrates for plant use.
  • Ecological Niche: A species' role in its ecosystem.

Life on Planet Earth

  • Earth supports countless organisms and diverse habitats.
  • Habitat Types:
    • Terrestrial (land): deserts (cacti, rattlesnakes), rainforests (trees, insects), Arctic (shrubs, bears, caribou).
    • Aquatic (water): coral reefs (diverse fish), ocean depths (sharks, shrimp), lakes/ponds (emergent, floating, submergent plants; frogs, snails, crayfish, turtles, fish).

Earth's Spheres

  • Atmosphere: Layer of gases surrounding Earth (78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen).
    • Crucial for life; loss would cause extreme temperature differences and cancer risks.
  • Lithosphere: Earth's solid outer layer (crust and upper mantle); includes rocky landscapes.
  • Hydrosphere: All Earth's water, in liquid, solid, and gaseous forms (oceans, lakes, groundwater, clouds).

The Gaia Hypothesis

  • Earth functions like a living organism, maintaining relatively consistent conditions.
  • A conceptual idea promoting environmental care.

Stewardship

  • Personal responsibility for caring for something.
  • Planetary stewardship: caring for the entire planet.

What is "Living"?

  • Characteristics of living things:
    • Movement/response to stimuli
    • Reproduction
    • Intake of nutrients
    • Respiration (energy production)
    • Excretion of wastes
    • Life cycle (growth and death)

Biotic Components of an Ecosystem

  • Organism: Individual living thing
  • Population: Group of similar organisms in an area.
  • Community: Different species populations interacting.

Communities & Biomes

  • Species: Group of similar organisms.
  • Habitat: An organism's physical environment.
  • Niche: Species' interactions with its ecosystem.
  • Biome: Large geographical region with similar ecosystems (defined by plants, animals, weather).
  • Biomes (Canada examples): Deciduous forest, Boreal forest, Tundra, Grasslands, Temperate coniferous forests.
  • Aquatic Biomes: Marine (oceans) & freshwater (lakes, streams).

Sustainability of Ecosystems

  • Ecosystems ideally maintain stability through natural processes.
  • Human activities can disrupt ecosystems, making them unsustainable. Examples: overexploitation, logging, construction, mining.
  • Artificial Ecosystems: Created by humans and need ongoing maintenance (e.g., urban parks, farms, aquariums).

Biogeochemical Cycles

  • Biogeochemical Cycle: Movement of matter through the environment.
  • Water Cycle: Evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation.
  • Carbon Cycle: Photosynthesis and respiration are key processes
  • Nitrogen Cycle: Essential for proteins and DNA. Bacteria convert nitrogen gas to usable forms.
    • Nitrogen Fixation: Lightning and bacteria converting nitrogen to nitrates or ammonia.
    • Decomposers: Return nitrogen to the soil.
    • Denitrification: Bacteria convert nitrates back to nitrogen gas for reuse.
  • Phosphorus Cycle (not explicitly examined in document; if so, add facts here.)

Ecosystem Interactions & Limiting Factors

  • Ecosystem Interactions: Continuous interactions between living and non-living parts.
    • Examples: producers using the sun's energy, predators hunting prey.
  • Limiting Factors: Factors that prevent population growth.
    • Abiotic: Sunlight, water, soil, storms, fire, drought, human disturbances.
    • Biotic: Competition, predation, disease, reliance on other organisms.
  • Populations increase/decrease, depending on resource availability.

Ecosystem Tolerance Ranges

  • Species survive within a specific range of environmental conditions (tolerance range).
  • Optimal and tolerance range for species for given conditions.

Biotic Interactions

  • Competition: Interaction between species for resources.
  • Predation: One species consuming another.
  • Symbiosis: Close interaction between species.
    • Mutualism: Both benefit.
    • Commensalism: One benefits, other is unaffected.
    • Parasitism: One benefits at the expense of the other.

Carrying Capacity

  • Maximum population an ecosystem can support.
  • Ecosystems tend to stay in balance, with birth rates equaling death rates when carrying capacity is reached.

Sustainable Use

  • Using resources in ways that meet present needs while preserving future generations' ability to meet needs.

Biodiversity vs Genetic Diversity

  • Biodiversity: Number of species in an area, variety of ecosystems.
  • Genetic Diversity: Differences within a species.
  • Biodiversity loss factors: Habitat change, overexploitation, invasive species, climate change, pollution (discussed with examples)

Agroecosystems

  • Ecosystems influenced by agriculture; often have reduced biodiversity.
  • Pests: Organisms damaging crops; often controlled by pesticides.
  • Pesticides: Chemicals used to control pests.
    • Benefits: Increased food production, disease control.
    • Issues: Pollution, harm to non-target species, pesticide resistance.
    • Biomagnification: Toxin concentration increasing at higher trophic levels.

Water Pollution

  • Point Source Pollution: Specific sources of pollution.
  • Non-Point Source Pollution: Pollution from widespread sources.
  • Water quality indicators depend on intended use (drinking, recreation).

Energy

  • Radiant energy/ Light energy: Energy from the sun; visible and other forms.
  • Thermal energy (heat energy): Heat energy.

Food Chains and Webs

  • Organisms need energy and nutrients.
  • Producers: Make their own food (photosynthesis).
  • Consumers: Get energy by eating other organisms.
    • Herbivores: Eat plants.
    • Omnivores: Eat plants and animals.
    • Carnivores: Eat animals.
  • Decomposers: Break down dead organisms.
  • Trophic Levels: Feeding levels in food chains/webs.
  • Energy Transfer in Food Chains: Energy lost as heat at each level, reduced energy availability higher up in the chain.
  • Ecological Pyramids: Display relationships between trophic levels (energy, numbers, biomass).

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Test your knowledge on key definitions and concepts related to ecology and the environment. This quiz covers important terms such as ecosystem, habitat, sustainability, and biogeochemical cycles, providing a comprehensive understanding of life on Earth. Perfect for students studying environmental science or ecology.

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