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Questions and Answers
What is the primary consequence of competition among species for limited resources?
What is the primary consequence of competition among species for limited resources?
In what type of symbiotic relationship do both organisms benefit and rely on each other for survival?
In what type of symbiotic relationship do both organisms benefit and rely on each other for survival?
Which term describes a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed?
Which term describes a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed?
What happens when two or more species compete for the same niche?
What happens when two or more species compete for the same niche?
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How does mutualism differ from commensalism?
How does mutualism differ from commensalism?
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What defines parasitism in ecological relationships?
What defines parasitism in ecological relationships?
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Which relationship is characterized by an organism getting nutrition from a host organism?
Which relationship is characterized by an organism getting nutrition from a host organism?
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What is a possible outcome of competition between two species sharing the same habitat?
What is a possible outcome of competition between two species sharing the same habitat?
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Which of the following best describes the main role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?
Which of the following best describes the main role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?
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How do polar bears adapt to their environment according to the stated abiotic factors?
How do polar bears adapt to their environment according to the stated abiotic factors?
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Which characteristic of salmons exemplifies their adaptability to environmental changes?
Which characteristic of salmons exemplifies their adaptability to environmental changes?
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In relation to ecological relationships, which of the following statements is accurate?
In relation to ecological relationships, which of the following statements is accurate?
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What would likely happen to giraffes if they were introduced to Arctic environments?
What would likely happen to giraffes if they were introduced to Arctic environments?
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Which factor does NOT represent a common threat to human survival in extreme environments?
Which factor does NOT represent a common threat to human survival in extreme environments?
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Which statement about energy flow in ecosystems is correct?
Which statement about energy flow in ecosystems is correct?
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What is a significant outcome of temperature changes in an ecosystem?
What is a significant outcome of temperature changes in an ecosystem?
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What is the primary process by which nitrogen gas is converted into ammonia?
What is the primary process by which nitrogen gas is converted into ammonia?
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Which form of phosphorus contributes significantly to the growth of plants in aquatic ecosystems?
Which form of phosphorus contributes significantly to the growth of plants in aquatic ecosystems?
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What role does sulfur play in living organisms?
What role does sulfur play in living organisms?
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Which of the following is NOT a method through which sulfur cycles occur?
Which of the following is NOT a method through which sulfur cycles occur?
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How do phosphate-containing rocks contribute to phosphorus cycling?
How do phosphate-containing rocks contribute to phosphorus cycling?
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What type of ecological interaction is predation?
What type of ecological interaction is predation?
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Which of the following effects could occur from human activity concerning phosphorus runoff?
Which of the following effects could occur from human activity concerning phosphorus runoff?
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Why is sulfur dioxide significant in the sulfur cycle?
Why is sulfur dioxide significant in the sulfur cycle?
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Study Notes
Competition
- Competition occurs when two or more species compete for the same limited resource, leading to harm or injury for both parties.
- This competition can negatively affect the survival and reproduction of the species involved.
- Competition can lead to one species being reduced in number, becoming extinct, or evolving due to competition.
- Competition can also lead to one species thriving in the absence of competitors.
- Competition arises due to overlapping niches among species, which are the requirements for survival and reproduction.
Symbiosis
- Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction (+/+ interaction).
- Obligate mutualism is a type of mutualism where both species cannot survive without the interaction.
- Facultative mutualism is a type of mutualism where both species can survive individually but benefit from the interaction.
- Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is not affected.
- It can be difficult to determine if an interaction is commensalism because indirect effects may not be recognizable.
- Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one species (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host).
- The parasite obtains nutrition from the host, harming it in the process.
Nitrogen Cycle
- The nitrogen cycle converts nitrogen gas into ammonia (NH3) and then into ammonium (NH4+).
- Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the formation of amino acids and nucleic acids.
Phosphorus Cycle
- Phosphorus combines with different elements to exist in nature, including phosphate ions (PO4-3).
- Phosphorus is a significant component of nucleic acids and phospholipids.
- Calcium phosphate provides support to the structure of bones.
- Phosphate-containing rocks are weathered and eroded, releasing phosphorus into waterways.
- Phosphorus acts as a limiting nutrient for plant growth in aquatic ecosystems.
- Runoff from human activity and natural sources carries phosphorus into waterways.
- Phosphorus accumulates in sediments on the ocean floor.
- Volcanic activity and geological uplift can return phosphorus to the surface over time.
Sulfur Cycle
- Sulfur plays a crucial role in the formation of amino acids, such as cysteine, and other proteins.
- Sulfur cycles between the ocean, land, and atmosphere.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a form of sulfur found in the atmosphere.
- Sulfur cycles through various processes, including decomposition of organic molecules, volcanic activity, geothermal vents, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Predation
- Predation is a type of interaction involving a predator and prey.
- The predator benefits from the interaction by consuming the prey, obtaining energy.
- Predation can involve causing injury or demise to the prey, but not always.
- There are variations in predation based on the specific food chain dynamics and species involved.
Abiotic Factors
- Organisms have a specific tolerance range for abiotic environmental conditions.
- These conditions influence an organism's ability to survive and thrive.
- Examples of abiotic factors include temperature, salinity, and sunlight.
- Organisms that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive.
Energy and Food Flow in the Ecosystem
- The Sun provides the primary source of energy for most ecosystems.
- Photosynthetic plants and organisms harness solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic sugar compounds through photosynthesis.
- Some organisms can synthesize sugar compounds using chemical and heat energy from hydrothermal vents.
- Consumers, scavengers, and decomposers rely on producers for their energy.
Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs
- Autotrophs are organisms that use energy from their environment to convert simple molecules into organic compounds.
- Autotrophs are considered the foundation of food chains and food webs.
- Heterotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms.
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Description
Explore the concepts of competition and symbiosis in ecology. This quiz covers the effects of competition among species for resources and the various types of symbiotic relationships, including mutualism and commensalism. Test your understanding of how these interactions influence survival and reproduction in ecosystems.
