Ecology Chapter 1 Quiz
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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?

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

What is the basic unit of study in ecology?

<p>Organism</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a population in ecology refer to?

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

Name one level of ecological organization above 'Organism'.

<p>Population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a biome?

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

Define the term 'biotic potential'.

<p>Biotic potential is the maximum rate at which a population can increase when resources are unlimited.</p> 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?

<p>Inverted pyramid of numbers</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ecological productivity refer to?

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

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

<p>respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of succession occurs in lifeless areas?

<p>Primary succession</p> Signup and view all the answers

Secondary succession eliminates all life from an area.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Commensalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of biogeochemical cycles?

<p>Gaseous and sedimentary</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cycles with their descriptions:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is biotic potential?

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

What does carrying capacity refer to?

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

A biome and an ecosystem are the same.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about biomes is true?

<p>Biomes are influenced by climatic factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecotone?

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

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

<p>niche</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of food chains?

<p>Grazing food chain and detrital food chain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

All organisms in an ecosystem interact with each other.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecological pyramid?

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

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

<p>10 percent</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ecological terms with their definitions:

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Water purification</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a biogeochemical cycle?

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

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

<p>Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>water</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cultural services from ecosystems provide material benefits only.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What regions are included in the oxygen cycle?

<p>Atmosphere, Biosphere, Lithosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the largest reservoir of oxygen?

<p>Lithosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Phosphorus is highly soluble in water.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a supporting service of ecosystems?

<p>Habitats for species</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Natural Capital Accounting help to measure?

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

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

<p>food chain</p> 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?

<p>Ecological niche</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Decay of organic matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment?

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

What is the concept of ecology?

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

What are the levels of organization in ecology?

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

Which organism is known as a decomposer?

<p>Fungi</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of an ecosystem?

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

Define energy flow in an ecosystem.

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

What is a food chain?

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

What are the types of food chains?

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

What is a food web?

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

Define ecological pyramid.

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

What are the types of ecological pyramids?

<p>Types include pyramid of numbers, pyramid of biomass, and pyramid of energy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is ecological productivity?

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

Define biological interaction.

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

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

<p>Types include predation, competition, mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define ecological succession.

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

What are the types of succession?

<p>The types of succession are primary succession and secondary succession.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are biogeochemical cycles?

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

What is the carbon cycle?

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

Define nitrogen cycle.

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

What are ecosystem services?

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

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

<p>Desert</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of estuaries?

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

What are wetlands?

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

What are mangroves?

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

Which of the following features is characteristic of coral reefs?

<p>High biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is coral bleaching?

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

What are the main threats to biodiversity?

<p>Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation.</p> 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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