B3 - Studying Organisms in Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What is an ecotone?

A type of abiotic factor that affects ecosystems

An area with sharp boundaries between ecosystems

A zone with uniformly high biodiversity

A transition area between different ecosystems (correct)

How do abiotic factors influence ecosystems?

They have no impact on organism distribution

They determine competitive roles among species

They only affect terrestrial ecosystems

They dictate the productivity of ecosystems and living things' distribution (correct)

What does an ecological niche encompass?

Only the habitat of an organism

The abiotic factors present in its environment

The organism's role, feeding habits, and breeding conditions (correct)

The specific predators of the organism

Why does increased biodiversity make an ecosystem less fragile?

It provides multiple food sources and guards against extinction Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of different niches among species?

It decreases competition by allowing species to exploit different resources Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily affected when a new species enters an ecosystem?

There is a disturbance in the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of exotic species?

They are not native to the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a way that new species can be introduced into an ecosystem?

By humans actively transporting them. Signup and view all the answers

Why might native populations struggle against introduced species?

They might be weaker due to predators or disease. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do starlings have on native bird species?

They compete for nesting sites and often evict native birds. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the decline in bluebird populations mentioned?

Competition from starlings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of species depletion and extinction mentioned?

Habitat loss. Signup and view all the answers

How many introduced species have been documented in Canada?

Less than 3,000. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a biome?

Its temperature and precipitation range Signup and view all the answers

Which biome is characterized by coniferous trees?

Taiga Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary abiotic factor affecting diversity in terrestrial ecosystems?

Precipitation Signup and view all the answers

Which aquatic zone has sufficient light for photosynthesis?

Limnetic zone Signup and view all the answers

In which biome would you expect to find the least diversity?

Desert Signup and view all the answers

What type of competition happens between different species?

Interspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

Which ecological interaction involves one organism consuming another?

Predation Signup and view all the answers

What classifies a limiting factor as abiotic?

It relates to environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which species is a predator in the taiga biome?

Weasel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of nourishment for a parasite?

The host organism Signup and view all the answers

Which zone in a lake is defined as the area where no plants grow on the bottom?

Profundal zone Signup and view all the answers

How is intraspecific competition characterized?

Competition within the same population Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the taiga biome?

Dominance of conifers Signup and view all the answers

What effect does population density have on parasitic interactions?

Increases risk of parasite infestation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Studying Organisms in Ecosystems

Life on Earth is not evenly distributed.
Abiotic factors (like soil type, moisture, humidity, temperature) influence ecosystem productivity and the distribution of living things.
Organisms can tolerate changes in abiotic conditions, but only within a specific range.

Ecotones and Biodiversity

Ecosystems often transition between each other, lacking sharp boundaries.
Ecotones are transition areas between ecosystems.
Ecotones often have greater biodiversity than individual ecosystems.
Increased biodiversity means a less fragile ecosystem.
Predators that rely on one specific prey are more vulnerable. Predators with multiple prey sources are more likely to survive.
Ecotones help by providing multiple food sources, which helps ecosystems survive.

Roles in Ecosystems

Ecological niche: An organism's role in an ecosystem encompasses its place in the food web, habitat, breeding area, and most active time of day.
A niche includes everything an organism needs to survive.
Each species in an ecosystem has a different niche to reduce competition.
Different species can have overlapping roles, but specific niches minimize conflict.

Competition for Niches

Introducing a new species can disrupt an ecosystem.
New species compete with existing species for available niches.
Exotic species are not native to an ecosystem.
Animals can be mobile and spread plant seeds, which can occur naturally.

Introduction of Exotic Species

Humans introduce new species, which can lead to the depletion or extinction of existing native species.
Native populations might be weaker or lack defenses against new predators.
New species can compete for resources (food, space, reproductive sites).
Introduced predator species might have advantage because they may not have any defenses or have stronger predators.
Starlings, a species introduced to North America, have outcompeted other birds.

Biomes

Biome: A large geographical area defined by its unique temperature and precipitation, together with its adapted organisms.
Dominant species characterize a biome (e.g., coniferous trees in the taiga, prairie grasses in grasslands).
Canada has four main terrestrial biomes and two major aquatic biomes.

Ecosystem Diversity

In terrestrial ecosystems, precipitation and temperature are key factors influencing diversity.
Tropical rainforests typically have the greatest biodiversity.
Areas closer to the equator tend to have greater biodiversity.
Earth's unequal heating creates major climate zones, which influences biodiversity.
The climate and other abiotic factors affect plant and animal distribution.

Taiga Biome

Taiga is also called the boreal forest biome.
Found throughout much of Alberta and other provinces, including the Rocky Mountains.
Conifer trees (cone-bearing trees) dominate the taiga.
It contains many different ecosystems in a larger biome.
Conifers are adapted to survive the biome's cold winters and warm summers (e.g., needle shape for water conservation).
Predatory animals often live here, including bears, weasels, owls, and wolverines.

Aquatic Ecosystem Diversity

Light availability is a key factor determining abiotic niches in aquatic environments.
Upper layers of aquatic environments have more light and support more diverse photosynthetic organisms.
Deeper layers have less light and fewer species due to reduced photosynthesis.

Growth-Limiting Factors

Abiotic factors (soil type, moisture, humidity, temperature) limit producers.
Biotic factors (competition, predation, parasitism) affect growth rates.

Competition

Resources are finite (limited). Competition is prevalent in all ecosystems.
Intraspecific competition occurs within a single species.
Interspecific competition occurs between different species.

Predation

Predation is a biotic interaction where one organism consumes another.
Predators that feed on many prey types can significantly influence food web relationships.

Parasitism

Parasites derive nourishment from a host organism, harming the host.
Parasites may not always harm the host permanently.
A higher host population density can increase parasite populations.
Parasitism influences the reproductive and survival capacity of the host organism.

Population Sampling

Ecologists use methods to estimate population sizes.
Methods include counting individuals, averaged over multiple smaller samples; and transect and quadrat sampling.
Transect involves counting organisms along a line.
Quadrat methods involve choosing multiple evenly spaced areas and counting organisms within the quadrat.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationships between organisms and their ecosystems, focusing on the impact of abiotic factors and the significance of ecotones. This quiz covers ecological niches and the roles organisms play in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Test your understanding of these crucial concepts in ecology.