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Ecology indicates the relationship between organisms and their environment. It is
the study of the ways organisms interact with each other and with their non-living
surroundings. Ecology supplements our world and is crucial for humanity. It provides resources
and services vital for sustaining biodiversity, food production, quality of air, clean water, etc.
Ecology indicates the relationship between organisms and their environment. It is the study of the ways organisms interact with each other and with their non-living surroundings. Ecology supplements our world and is crucial for humanity. It provides resources and services vital for sustaining biodiversity, food production, quality of air, clean water, etc.
Ecological Concepts
What are the Ecological Hierarchy ( Bottom to Top)
What are the Ecological Hierarchy ( Bottom to Top)
Species, Ecosystem, Biosphere, Population, Community
Refers to an interacting group of natural elements and the organisms
in a given environment. It is a unit of interrelationships between biotic and abiotic factors. Thus, all living organisms depend on, influence, and adapt to nonliving components to maintain their steady-state conditions (homeostasis).
Refers to an interacting group of natural elements and the organisms in a given environment. It is a unit of interrelationships between biotic and abiotic factors. Thus, all living organisms depend on, influence, and adapt to nonliving components to maintain their steady-state conditions (homeostasis).
Ecosystem
It encompass all living organisms present in the ecosystem. These organisms are autotrophs and heterotrophs.
It encompass all living organisms present in the ecosystem. These organisms are autotrophs and heterotrophs.
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This are also called "self-feeders" or the “producers”. They use the energy
from the sun (light energy) or chemical energy to make their food. There are two types of
autotrophs
This are also called "self-feeders" or the “producers”. They use the energy from the sun (light energy) or chemical energy to make their food. There are two types of autotrophs
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This are organisms that use the energy from sunlight to make their food in the process called photosynthesis. Some examples are plants,
algae, and certain bacteria.
This are organisms that use the energy from sunlight to make their food in the process called photosynthesis. Some examples are plants, algae, and certain bacteria.
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This are organisms that use chemical energy from compounds to make their food in the process called chemosynthesis. Examples are some bacteria and also archaea – a microorganism that resembles bacteria.
This are organisms that use chemical energy from compounds to make their food in the process called chemosynthesis. Examples are some bacteria and also archaea – a microorganism that resembles bacteria.
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This are called "consumers." These organisms cannot make their food, primarily animals; and get their energy from other plants and animals, and classify as:
This are called "consumers." These organisms cannot make their food, primarily animals; and get their energy from other plants and animals, and classify as:
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-feed directly on plants
-1st order/ primary consumers
Rabbit, Goat, Cow, sheep
-feed directly on plants -1st order/ primary consumers Rabbit, Goat, Cow, sheep
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- that feed directly on animals
-2nd
order/ Secondary consumers
Snake, Tiger, Eagle, Lion
- that feed directly on animals -2nd order/ Secondary consumers Snake, Tiger, Eagle, Lion
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-feed both on plants and
animals
-1st or 2nd order consumers
Bears, birds, dogs, foxes, humans
-feed both on plants and animals -1st or 2nd order consumers Bears, birds, dogs, foxes, humans
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They are also unable to make their food. They
decompose waste products and dead organisms for food and are returned to the soil to be recycled and used by plants again. Bacteria and fungi are decomposers. Decomposers
are classified based on the type of organic matter they break down
They are also unable to make their food. They decompose waste products and dead organisms for food and are returned to the soil to be recycled and used by plants again. Bacteria and fungi are decomposers. Decomposers are classified based on the type of organic matter they break down
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feed on the soft tissues of dead animals. Examples include vultures, raccoons, and blowflies.
feed on the soft tissues of dead animals. Examples include vultures, raccoons, and blowflies.
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feed on detritus - remains of plants, animal feces, and other organic debris. They can be found on the soil like earthworms, millipedes, dung beetles; and at the bottom of bodies of water such as sea cucumbers and catfish.
feed on detritus - remains of plants, animal feces, and other organic debris. They can be found on the soil like earthworms, millipedes, dung beetles; and at the bottom of bodies of water such as sea cucumbers and catfish.
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This are the nonliving features of the environment that influence an
organism or group of organisms.
This are the nonliving features of the environment that influence an organism or group of organisms.
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Is required by all organisms to sustain life
Is required by all organisms to sustain life
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It is the ultimate source of energy for almost all organisms in ecosystems.
It is the ultimate source of energy for almost all organisms in ecosystems.
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the greatest importance to plants because it is essential for photosynthesis. The
following factors play a crucial function in an ecosystem
the greatest importance to plants because it is essential for photosynthesis. The following factors play a crucial function in an ecosystem
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The most vital gases are oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen utilized by plants and
The most vital gases are oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen utilized by plants and
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Used during animals' respiration,
carbon dioxide on plant photosynthesis, and nitrogen made available by certain
bacteria through various fixation processes
Used during animals' respiration, carbon dioxide on plant photosynthesis, and nitrogen made available by certain bacteria through various fixation processes
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It includes wind or air currents, soil, pH, and
temperature.
It includes wind or air currents, soil, pH, and temperature.
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It is associated with the physical
nature of the land surface/area. It includes altitude, the slope of the land, and the
area's position with the sun or rain-bearing winds.
It is associated with the physical nature of the land surface/area. It includes altitude, the slope of the land, and the area's position with the sun or rain-bearing winds.
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All organisms play a critical role in the ecosystem. Different categories were
involved.
All organisms play a critical role in the ecosystem. Different categories were involved.
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Some organisms can make their own food (producers), and other organisms have to get their food by eating other organisms(consumers). The species that can eat many different types of foods is called a generalist. For example, raccoons eat many things, including human garbage. A specialist is a species that consumes only a specific type of food. For example, koalas only eat eucalyptus
plants.
Some organisms can make their own food (producers), and other organisms have to get their food by eating other organisms(consumers). The species that can eat many different types of foods is called a generalist. For example, raccoons eat many things, including human garbage. A specialist is a species that consumes only a specific type of food. For example, koalas only eat eucalyptus plants.
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Happens between organisms arises when more than one organism struggles to
obtain the same essential resources in the same habitat. Both participants in the interaction are potentially harmed. The one who is harmed less is considered the winner, and the one who is harmed more is the loser. It controls the population size by limiting
the number of organisms that can survive on the area's resources.
Happens between organisms arises when more than one organism struggles to obtain the same essential resources in the same habitat. Both participants in the interaction are potentially harmed. The one who is harmed less is considered the winner, and the one who is harmed more is the loser. It controls the population size by limiting the number of organisms that can survive on the area's resources.
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Happens between members of two or more different
species over various limiting resources such as food, water,
light, soil resources, or space. It often leads to extinction, specifically with the species that are less well-adapted, less likely to survive, and the species may go extinct.
For example, predators of various species might compete for the same prey just like lions and leopards that compete for similar prey; and a farm of rice paddies with weeds growing in the field.
Happens between members of two or more different species over various limiting resources such as food, water, light, soil resources, or space. It often leads to extinction, specifically with the species that are less well-adapted, less likely to survive, and the species may go extinct. For example, predators of various species might compete for the same prey just like lions and leopards that compete for similar prey; and a farm of rice paddies with weeds growing in the field.
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Arises between members of the same species and may compete over mates, water, sunlight, territory, or food energy sources.This type of competition is a basic factor in natural selection that leads to the
evolution of better adaptations. For example, two individuals of the same zooplankton species compete for
nutrients in the ocean.
Arises between members of the same species and may compete over mates, water, sunlight, territory, or food energy sources.This type of competition is a basic factor in natural selection that leads to the evolution of better adaptations. For example, two individuals of the same zooplankton species compete for nutrients in the ocean.
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Occurs when one species directly affects the ability of another to consume resources. For example, (a) an animal may chase other
individuals away from a potential food source; and (b) in some species, individuals or groups maintain and defend territories.
Occurs when one species directly affects the ability of another to consume resources. For example, (a) an animal may chase other individuals away from a potential food source; and (b) in some species, individuals or groups maintain and defend territories.
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Occurs when one species makes a resource unavailable for consumption of another species. It is the most common mechanism of competition in nature. Examples of exploitative competition include (a) lions and cheetahs competing for gazelles on the African plains, and
(b) two species of prairie grasses competing for light, soil moisture, and soil
nutrients.
Occurs when one species makes a resource unavailable for consumption of another species. It is the most common mechanism of competition in nature. Examples of exploitative competition include (a) lions and cheetahs competing for gazelles on the African plains, and (b) two species of prairie grasses competing for light, soil moisture, and soil nutrients.
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It is a place where an organism lives. It is characterized by the physical environment, including distinctive physical features, vegetation, and the group of species
living in it. Conversely, each species' niche is defined by the sum of activities and
relationships in which it engages to secure and use the resources necessary for its
survival and reproduction.
It is a place where an organism lives. It is characterized by the physical environment, including distinctive physical features, vegetation, and the group of species living in it. Conversely, each species' niche is defined by the sum of activities and relationships in which it engages to secure and use the resources necessary for its survival and reproduction.
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Occurs when one species uses another species as food. The organism that hunts other living things for food is called the predator, and the prey is the animal hunted by a predator.
Occurs when one species uses another species as food. The organism that hunts other living things for food is called the predator, and the prey is the animal hunted by a predator.
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Include the presence of armor in animals (spines) or thorns in plants to discourage predation and herbivory by preventing
physical contact with the predato
Include the presence of armor in animals (spines) or thorns in plants to discourage predation and herbivory by preventing physical contact with the predato
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include odors and toxins released by plants and animals.
include odors and toxins released by plants and animals.
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Indicate aposematic coloration
Indicate aposematic coloration
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A protective coloration in which an animal resembles its background.
A protective coloration in which an animal resembles its background.
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It is when organisms resemble other species.
It is when organisms resemble other species.
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It is where a harmless species imitates a harmful one.
It is where a harmless species imitates a harmful one.
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It occurs when various species share the same warning coloration and resemble each other but have their own defenses.
It occurs when various species share the same warning coloration and resemble each other but have their own defenses.
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It describes a close and often long-term relationship between two or more
different organisms. This relationship may be beneficial or harmful, or it may not affect
the other organisms. The term symbiosis was first by the mycologist Heinrich Anton de
Bary, who termed it "the living together of unlike organisms".
It describes a close and often long-term relationship between two or more different organisms. This relationship may be beneficial or harmful, or it may not affect the other organisms. The term symbiosis was first by the mycologist Heinrich Anton de Bary, who termed it "the living together of unlike organisms".
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It is an interaction between two species in which both organisms benefit. An example of this is the pollination of plants by bees and other pollinators.
It is an interaction between two species in which both organisms benefit. An example of this is the pollination of plants by bees and other pollinators.
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It is a type of symbiosis where one organism benefits, but the others are unaffected. For example, numerous orchids, mosses, and ferns that grow atop higher plants benefit from structural support and greater access to
sunlight.
It is a type of symbiosis where one organism benefits, but the others are unaffected. For example, numerous orchids, mosses, and ferns that grow atop higher plants benefit from structural support and greater access to sunlight.
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It is a relationship where one organism, termed the parasite, benefits at the expense of the host. Some parasites live on the surface of
their host called an ectoparasite. Others live inside their host called endoparasite. Examples include tapeworms, lice, and fungus.
It is a relationship where one organism, termed the parasite, benefits at the expense of the host. Some parasites live on the surface of their host called an ectoparasite. Others live inside their host called endoparasite. Examples include tapeworms, lice, and fungus.
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(The global ecosystem)
(The global ecosystem)
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(A groups of ecosystems that share
similar climates and typical organisms)
(A groups of ecosystems that share similar climates and typical organisms)
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(Different communities working as a unit,
interacting with both its physical and
biological environment)
(Different communities working as a unit, interacting with both its physical and biological environment)
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(A group of different populations distributed into a specific geographical area
(A group of different populations distributed into a specific geographical area
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(A group of same species occupying a specific geographic area and time)
(A group of same species occupying a specific geographic area and time)
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(A group of individuals with the same genetic
characteristics and is capable of interbreeding
with one another)
(A group of individuals with the same genetic characteristics and is capable of interbreeding with one another)
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Study Notes
Ecology Overview
- Ecology studies relationships between organisms and their environments, focusing on interactions with biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
- Essential for sustaining biodiversity, food production, air quality, and clean water resources.
Ecological Hierarchy (Bottom to Top)
- Individual: Single organism capable of interbreeding.
- Population: Group of individuals of the same species in a specific area over time.
- Community: Different populations interacting in a specific geographical area.
- Ecosystem: Community integrated with its physical environment, including both biotic and abiotic components.
- Biome: Groups of ecosystems sharing similar climates and typical organisms.
- Biosphere: Global ecosystem comprising all living things and their environments.
Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
-
Autotrophs (Producers): Organisms that create their own food.
- Photosynthetic Autotrophs: Use sunlight to synthesize food (e.g., plants, algae).
- Chemosynthetic Autotrophs: Utilize chemical energy from compounds (e.g., certain bacteria and archaea).
-
Heterotrophs (Consumers): Organisms that rely on others for food.
- Primary Consumers: Feed directly on plants (e.g., rabbits, goats).
- Secondary Consumers: Feed on primary consumers (e.g., snakes, tigers).
- Tertiary Consumers: Feed on both plants and animals (e.g., bears, humans).
Decomposers
- Organisms that break down waste and dead matter, recycling nutrients in ecosystems.
- Categories include:
- Scavengers: Feed on dead animals (e.g., vultures).
- Detritivores: Consume decomposed organic debris (e.g., earthworms).
Abiotic Factors
- Nonliving elements crucial for supporting life: light, temperature, water, soil composition, and gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide essential for respiration and photosynthesis.
- Factors such as altitude, wind, and pH impact organisms' survival and adaptation.
Competition
- Interspecific Competition: Different species compete for limited resources, potentially influencing population dynamics and leading to extinction for less adapted species.
- Intraspecific Competition: Members of the same species compete over resources like mates and territory, driving natural selection.
Predator-Prey Relationships
- Predation: One organism (predator) consumes another (prey).
- Defense mechanisms include physical adaptations (spines, camouflage) and chemical deterrents.
Symbiosis
- Describes close interactions between species, categorized as:
- Mutualism: Both species benefit (e.g., bees and flowering plants).
- Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected (e.g., orchids growing on trees).
- Parasitism: One organism benefits at the host's expense (e.g., tapeworms).
Key Definitions
- Niche: The role and position a species has in its environment.
- Habitat: The physical environment where a species lives, defined by its characteristic features and resident species.
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