Ecology Chapter 1 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is ecology?

Ecology is a scientific study of the interactions of organisms with their physical environment and with each other.

What does the term 'ecosystem' refer to?

An ecosystem refers to a community of life forms interacting with non-living components.

Who coined the term 'ecosystem'?

Arthur Tansley.

What is the Gaia hypothesis?

The Gaia hypothesis states that the earth is a complex living entity, sustaining life through self-regulating interactions among organisms and their surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic unit of study in ecology?

Organism Signup and view all the answers

What does a population in ecology refer to?

A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species inhabiting the same area. Signup and view all the answers

Name one level of ecological organization above 'Organism'.

Population. Signup and view all the answers

What is a biome?

A biome is a large regional unit characterized by a major vegetation type and associated fauna in a specific climate zone. Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'biotic potential'.

Biotic potential is the maximum rate at which a population can increase when resources are unlimited. Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy pyramid is characterized by an increase in the number of individuals from the lower to higher trophic levels?

Inverted pyramid of numbers Signup and view all the answers

What does ecological productivity refer to?

The primary fixation of solar energy by plants and its subsequent use by herbivores, carnivores, and detritivores. Signup and view all the answers

Gross primary productivity equals net primary productivity plus energy loss due to __________.

respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of succession occurs in lifeless areas?

Primary succession Signup and view all the answers

Secondary succession eliminates all life from an area.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of biotic interaction involves one species benefiting while the other is unharmed?

Commensalism Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of biogeochemical cycles?

Gaseous and sedimentary Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cycles with their descriptions:

Carbon Cycle = Movement of carbon through photosynthesis and decomposition Nitrogen Cycle = Conversion of nitrogen into forms usable by plants Water Cycle = Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of water Phosphorus Cycle = Movement of phosphorus through soil, water, and organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is biotic potential?

The maximum capacity of an individual or species to reproduce under ideal environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What does carrying capacity refer to?

The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an area can sustain indefinitely without degrading resources. Signup and view all the answers

A biome and an ecosystem are the same.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about biomes is true?

Biomes are influenced by climatic factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecotone?

A transitional area between two biomes where different communities meet and integrate. Signup and view all the answers

The unique functional role and position of a species in its habitat is referred to as its ______.

niche Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of food chains?

Grazing food chain and detrital food chain. Signup and view all the answers

All organisms in an ecosystem interact with each other.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecological pyramid?

A graphical representation of relationships between organisms in an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of energy is transferred to each trophic level according to the 10% rule?

10 percent Signup and view all the answers

Match the ecological terms with their definitions:

Biomes = Large geographical areas with distinct climate and species. Ecosystem = Interaction of abiotic and biotic components in a small area. Ecotone = Transition area between two different biomes. Ecological Pyramid = Graphical representation of relationships in an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of regulating services provided by ecosystems? (Select all that apply)

Water purification Signup and view all the answers

What is a biogeochemical cycle?

A natural cycle in which conserved matter moves through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Name three important chemical elements that are cycled in biogeochemical cycles.

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O) Signup and view all the answers

The _____ cycle involves the movement of water through the environment.

water Signup and view all the answers

Cultural services from ecosystems provide material benefits only.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the challenges faced by biogeochemical cycles due to human interventions?

Anthropogenic factors such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Signup and view all the answers

What regions are included in the oxygen cycle?

Atmosphere, Biosphere, Lithosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the largest reservoir of oxygen?

Lithosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of microbial transformations in the sulphur cycle?

Microbial transformations convert sulphur-containing proteins into usable sulphates for plants. Signup and view all the answers

Phosphorus is highly soluble in water.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a supporting service of ecosystems?

Habitats for species Signup and view all the answers

What does Natural Capital Accounting help to measure?

It measures the state of ecosystems and their contribution to the economy. Signup and view all the answers

The process of ______ illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.

food chain Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following describes the physical space occupied by an organism and its functional role in the community?

Ecological niche Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adds carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?

Decay of organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment?

To assess the consequences of ecosystem changes for human well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of ecology?

The concept of ecology involves the study of interactions among organisms and their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the levels of organization in ecology?

The levels include individual, population, community, ecosystem, biome, and biosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is known as a decomposer?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of an ecosystem?

Functions include energy flow, nutrient cycling, and providing habitat. Signup and view all the answers

Define energy flow in an ecosystem.

Energy flow refers to the transfer of energy through various trophic levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a food chain?

A food chain is a linear sequence of energy transfer through feeding relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of food chains?

Types of food chains include grazing, detrital, and parasitic food chains. Signup and view all the answers

What is a food web?

A food web is a more complex representation of multiple interconnected food chains. Signup and view all the answers

Define ecological pyramid.

An ecological pyramid illustrates the distribution of energy, biomass, or numbers across trophic levels. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of ecological pyramids?

Types include pyramid of numbers, pyramid of biomass, and pyramid of energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is ecological productivity?

Ecological productivity refers to the rate at which energy is produced and stored in an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Define biological interaction.

Biological interaction refers to the relationships between different species in an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of biotic interactions in a food web?

Types include predation, competition, mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. Signup and view all the answers

Define ecological succession.

Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of succession?

The types of succession are primary succession and secondary succession. Signup and view all the answers

What are biogeochemical cycles?

Biogeochemical cycles describe the movement of elements and compounds through living organisms and the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, biosphere, oceans, and geosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Define nitrogen cycle.

The nitrogen cycle involves the transformation and movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are ecosystem services?

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, such as clean water and pollination. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial ecosystem?

Desert Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of estuaries?

Estuaries provide crucial habitats for wildlife, filter pollutants, and support fisheries. Signup and view all the answers

What are wetlands?

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil for at least part of the year, supporting diverse plant and animal life. Signup and view all the answers

What are mangroves?

Mangroves are coastal trees that grow in saline waters and are vital for coastal protection and biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is characteristic of coral reefs?

High biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What is coral bleaching?

Coral bleaching is the loss of color in corals due to stress, often caused by rising water temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main threats to biodiversity?

Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biodiversity Hotspots in India

India is recognized as a mega-biodiversity country due to its rich diversity in flora and fauna, with several biodiversity hotspots.
Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are both rich in species diversity and under significant threat from human activities.

Conservation of Biodiversity

Key causes of biodiversity loss include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources.
The IUCN Red List identifies endangered species globally, aiding conservation efforts.
Illegal wildlife trade poses a significant threat to various species and undermines conservation initiatives.
Human-animal conflict arises from habitat encroachment and can lead to repercussions for both species.
Conservation strategies include:
- In-Situ conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats.
- Ex-Situ conservation: Preserving species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos or botanical gardens.

Protected Areas Network

India has established protected areas including wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and marine protected areas to safeguard biodiversity.
Regulations governing protected areas are crucial for conservation and management.
Eco-sensitive zones, coastal regulation zones, and sacred groves play a vital role in protecting habitats.
Biosphere Reserves are designated areas that promote conservation while simultaneously allowing sustainable development.
Biodiversity Heritage Sites recognize areas of significant ecological importance and require special conservation measures.
World Heritage Sites are designated for their outstanding natural or cultural significance, highlighting their global importance.

Policy and Institutional Measures

India has a robust policy framework aimed at biodiversity conservation, guided by legislative measures.
Key legislation includes the Wildlife Protection Act and the Biodiversity Act.
Institutions dedicated to conservation efforts include the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).
Global efforts, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), encourage international cooperation for conservation.

Species Specific Measures

Conservation initiatives focus on flagship species such as tigers, elephants, and one-horned rhinos, recognizing their ecological importance.
Specific projects, such as the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project, aim to protect vulnerable species through targeted efforts.
Collaborative global efforts enhance the effectiveness of local conservation strategies for all species.### Types of Energy Pyramids
Pyramid of Numbers: In some ecosystems like grasslands, the number of individuals increases from lower to higher trophic levels, as seen in tree ecosystems.
Pyramid of Energy: Illustrates the energy flow at each trophic level. Energy decreases as one moves from the base to the apex of the pyramid, indicating energy loss at each level.

Ecological Productivity

Refers to the primary fixation of solar energy by plants, which is then utilized by herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers.
Gross Primary Productivity (GPP): Total energy fixed by plants.
Net Primary Productivity (NPP): GPP minus energy lost to respiration. A positive NPP indicates increasing biomass over time.
Secondary productivities relate to the energy transfer from herbivores (gross and net) and carnivores (tertiary productivity).
Productivity varies among ecosystems based on solar radiation, water, and nutrient availability.

Biological Interactions

Interspecific Interactions: Interactions between different species.
Intraspecific Interactions: Interactions among the same species.

Types of Biotic Interactions

Negative interactions can hinder one or both species, including:
- Amensalism: One species is inhibited while the other is unaffected.
- Predation: Predators benefit, prey is harmed.
- Parasitism: The parasite benefits at the host's expense.
- Competition: Both species are adversely affected when competing for limited resources.
Positive interactions include:
- Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
- Mutualism: Both species benefit from the interaction, sometimes leading to symbiosis.

Ecological Succession

Ecological Succession: The process of change in the structure of a biological community over time.
Primary Succession: Occurs in lifeless areas without soil, such as after lava flows or glacial retreats.
Secondary Succession: Follows disturbances that leave soil intact and some organisms still present.
Communities develop through seral stages until reaching a climax community.

Prominent Types of Succession

Autotrophic Succession: Characterized by dominance of autotrophic organisms, beginning in inorganic environments.
Allogeneic Succession: Caused by external environmental factors, leading to community replacement.
Autogenic Succession: Result of the community's interactions with its environment that modifies conditions for new communities.
Hydrarch Succession: Begins in shallow waters, leading to mature forests.
Xerarch Succession: Starts on bare ground, evolving into climax forests through soil accumulation.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Elements like oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are recycled through biogeochemical cycles.
Chemicals are exchanged among organisms and the physical environment via food chains.

Gaseous Biogeochemical Cycles

Carbon Cycle: Involves carbon dioxide uptake during photosynthesis, leading to organic compounds used by consumers. Carbon is returned to the environment through respiration and decomposition.
Nitrogen Cycle: Elemental nitrogen is converted into usable forms for plants by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Denitrifying bacteria return nitrogen to the atmosphere.
Water Cycle: Water evaporates from various sources, condenses into clouds, and precipitates back to Earth as rain or snow.

Sedimentary Biogeochemical Cycles

Phosphorus and Sulfur Cycles: Involve the movement of these nutrients through soils and living organisms.### Biotic Potential and Carrying Capacity
Each species exhibits different biotic potential influenced by reproductive factors.
Key factors include reproductive span, frequency of reproduction, litter size, and survival rate to reproductive age.
Carrying capacity represents the maximum population a region's resources can sustain without degradation.

Biosphere and Ecosystems

The biosphere encompasses all terrestrial and aquatic biomes where life exists.
A biome is a large area characterized by climate and species diversity, containing multiple ecosystems.
An ecosystem consists of biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (physical environment) components in a specific area, demonstrating interaction among species.

Ecological Terminology

Ecotone: Transition zone between two biomes, exhibiting characteristics of both (e.g., mangroves between marine and terrestrial systems).
Ecocline: Gradual transition between ecosystems without clear boundaries, influenced by environmental gradients like temperature or altitude.
Edge Effect: Changes in community structure at habitat boundaries, often resulting in higher species diversity (especially birds) in ecotones.

Ecological Niche

A niche defines a species’ unique role and position within its ecosystem, including habitat, food sources, and reproductive strategies.
Understanding niche requirements is crucial for species conservation.

Functions of Ecosystems

Ecosystems perform important functions such as energy flow, nutrient cycling, ecological succession, and maintaining homeostasis.
Natural ecosystems include ponds, lakes, meadows, grasslands, deserts, and forests.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy flows through trophic levels, starting with primary producers that capture solar energy.
Only 2-10% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is harnessed by plants.
Energy diminishes at each trophic level, adhering to the 10% rule during transfer.

Food Chains and Food Webs

A food chain illustrates the order of consumption among organisms for energy transfer, essential in every ecosystem.
Types of food chains:
- Grazing Food Chain: Begins with autotrophs, flows from plants to herbivores to carnivores.
- Detrital Food Chain: Starts with decomposing organic matter, flows through detritivores to carnivores.
A food web consists of interconnected food chains, depicting numerous feeding relationships within an ecosystem.

Ecological Pyramids

Pyramid of Biomass: Represents biomass at each trophic level, typically upright in terrestrial ecosystems with a larger biomass at the base (producers).
Inverted Pyramid of Biomass: Common in aquatic ecosystems, where small phytoplankton support larger consumer biomass.
Pyramid of Numbers: Illustrates the number of individuals at each trophic level, often upright as numbers decrease from producers to carnivores.

Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer

Trophic levels indicate the position of an organism in a food chain. Organisms can occupy multiple levels.
Energy is primarily captured by producers from sunlight, subsequently moving through herbivores and carnivores.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of ecology with this quiz based on Chapter 1. Understand key principles and vocabulary that form the foundation of ecological studies. Perfect for students learning about the interactions of living organisms with their environment.