Ecology and Environmental Factors Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'ecology' denote?

Study of organism populations

Study of household interactions

Study of climate and weather patterns

Study of organism interactions with their environment (correct)

Which of the following correctly describes the term 'environment'?

The sum of abiotic factors only

Surroundings affecting an organism's development (correct)

The sum of biotic factors only

Only the climatic factors impacting organisms

Which of the following groups are considered as physical or abiotic factors?

Soil, air, and water (correct)

Predation and competition

Plant and animal interactions

Microbial activities

What is the primary function of the troposphere?

Hosting atmospheric dust and water vapor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following layers of the atmosphere lies above the troposphere?

Stratosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the troposphere?

It is where all weather phenomena occur Signup and view all the answers

Which components contribute to the abiotic environment?

Temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of ecology as a biological discipline?

Interrelationships between organisms and their environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal lapse rate in the troposphere?

1°C for every 165 meters of ascent Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the stratosphere is true?

It is where the ozone layer is formed. Signup and view all the answers

At what height does the temperature in the mesosphere reach 100°C?

80 km Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is responsible for ionizing atoms?

Ionosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?

To absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest layer of the atmosphere called?

Exosphere Signup and view all the answers

What happens to radio waves in the ionosphere?

They are reflected, enabling radio communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the air in the stratosphere?

Low in water vapor and dust particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of photoperiodism in relation to plants?

The physiological and behavioral changes in organisms due to variations in day length. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of transpiration in plants?

To cool the plant and facilitate nutrient delivery from roots to leaves. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of phenomena associated with phenology?

The folding of leaves due to darkness. Signup and view all the answers

How do long day plants differ from short day plants?

They require longer light periods to trigger flowering. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the germination process in seeds?

Imbibition of water by dry seeds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes phototropism?

The bending of plant shoots towards the direction of light. Signup and view all the answers

What drives the process of transpiration in plants?

The evaporation of water through stomates. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs within seeds after they imbibe water?

The seed begins to produce energy for growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process involved in the formation of soil?

Pedogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which soil texture is characterized by having the largest particle size?

Sandy Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the upward movement of water vapor due to air currents?

Convection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of wind on plant life?

Salt spray Signup and view all the answers

Which component makes up the largest percentage of soil's composition?

Mineral matter Signup and view all the answers

In soil profiling, what does the 'O' horizon primarily consist of?

Decomposed organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is characterized as the bending of herbs and shrubs due to high-speed winds?

Lodging Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soil is recognized for its high water holding capacity?

Clay soil Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of clay soils?

They are difficult to aerate and compact. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soil provides the best balance of aeration, nutrient content, and water retention?

Loam soil Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soil water is primarily available for plant absorption?

Capillary water Signup and view all the answers

What influence does soil pH have on plant growth?

It affects mineral availability and biological activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants is likely to thrive in acidic soil?

Ericas Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes hygroscopic water in the soil?

It is strongly bound to soil particles and unavailable to plants. Signup and view all the answers

Why do sandy soils lose moisture quickly?

They are very porous and loose. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of gravitational water?

It percolates downward due to gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecology

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
The term "ecology" was coined by Ernst Haeckel.
Ecology is derived from the Greek words "oikos" (house) and "logos" (study).

Environment

The environment comprises all biotic and abiotic components that surround an organism and influence its growth and development.

Environmental Factors

Two main types of environmental factors:
- Physical or Abiotic Factors: These include soil, air, water, atmosphere, humidity, rain, and topographic features.
- Living or Biotic Factors: These include all living organisms within an ecosystem.

Atmosphere

The gaseous envelope surrounding Earth is known as the atmosphere.
It comprises nitrogen, oxygen, noble gases, carbon dioxide, and other gases.
The atmosphere has layers:
- Troposphere: The lowest layer, extending from 8-18 km from Earth's surface, responsible for weather changes and cloud formation.
- Stratosphere: Above the troposphere, extending from 8-18 to 30-50 km, contains the ozone layer, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
- Mesosphere: Extends from 30-50 to 80 km, where temperature decreases with height.
- Ionosphere: Extends from 80-400 km, responsible for absorbing cosmic rays and reflecting radio waves.
- Exosphere: The outermost layer, merging with space.

Plant Responses to Environment

Nastic Movements: Non-directional movements in response to stimuli.
- Nyctinasty: Folding of leaves in response to darkness.
Tropisms: Directional movements in response to stimuli.
- Phototropism: Movement towards light.
Photoperiodism: The influence of day length on organism physiology and behavior.
- Short-Day Plants: Bloom when day length is short (e.g., Chrysanthemum).
- Long-Day Plants: Bloom when day length is long (e.g., Spinach).
- Day-Neutral Plants: Bloom regardless of day length (e.g., Maize).
Phenology: The timing of seasonal activities in organisms, often controlled by photoperiodism.
- Examples include bird migration, hibernation, animal breeding, flowering, and dormancy.

Transpiration

The evaporation of water from leaves and stems of plants into the atmosphere.
Plants absorb water from the soil through roots.
Transpiration accounts for approximately 10% of all evaporating water.

Seed Germination

For non-dormant seeds, germination begins when water is provided and the temperature is appropriate.
The uptake of water by dry seeds is called imbibition.
As seeds imbibe water, enzymes and food supplies become hydrated, leading to increased metabolic activity for growth.

Wind

Air currents created by uneven heating and rotation of the Earth.
Wind carries water vapor, which condenses and returns to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Wind affects plant and animal life:
- Direct Effects: Leaf damage, deformation, lodging (bending of plants), soil erosion.
- Indirect Effects: Desiccation, salt spray damage.

Soil

Soil is formed by biological processes (pedogenesis), including humification, eluviation, and illuviation.
Soil components:
- Mineral Matter: Approximately 40%.
- Organic Matter: Approximately 10%.
- Soil Moisture: Approximately 25%.
- Soil Atmosphere: Approximately 25%.
- Soil Organisms: Various organisms like bacteria, fungi, and insects.
Soil Profile: Different soil layers in a vertical section.
Soil Texture: The size and arrangement of soil particles.
- Sandy Soil: Well-aerated, porous, but dries quickly.
- Clay Soil: High water retention, but poorly aerated and compact.
- Loam Soil: Combines the best qualities of sandy and clay soils.
Soil Water: Water accumulated in the soil can be categorized as:
- Hygroscopic Water: Firmly held by soil particles, unavailable to plants.
- Gravitational Water: Percolates downwards due to gravity.
- Capillary Water: Present between soil particles, available to plants.
Soil pH: Affects mineral availability and soil biological activity.
- Acidic Soil: Favors some plants like ericas and ferns.
- Alkaline Soil: Favors some plants like xerophytes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on ecology, the interactions between organisms and their environments. This quiz covers various environmental factors, including abiotic and biotic components, as well as details about the Earth's atmosphere. Challenge yourself with questions that explore the fundamental concepts of ecology.