Ecology Concepts and Populations Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the study of interactions between living organisms and their environment called?

Ecology (correct)

Ecosystem

Habitat

Population

What is an ecosystem?

A community and its abiotic conditions.

Define population in ecological terms.

A group of organisms of the same species living in a certain area at a certain time.

What is a habitat?

The environment in which a species normally lives. Signup and view all the answers

Define species.

A number of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term niche refer to in ecology?

The role an organism plays in its community. Signup and view all the answers

What is a trophic level?

The place of an organism in a food chain or web. Signup and view all the answers

Define an autotroph.

An organism which makes its own food using inorganic sources of carbon. Signup and view all the answers

What is a heterotroph?

An organism which requires pre-formed organic molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

The first trophic level in a food chain which provides the energy for subsequent levels. Signup and view all the answers

Define a consumer.

An organism which gets its nutrients and energy by ingesting other organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a community in an ecological context?

A group of interacting populations in a certain area. Signup and view all the answers

Define a detritivore.

An animal that consumes decomposing organic particles. Signup and view all the answers

What does a saprotroph do?

Feeds by secreting digestive enzymes onto its food source and absorbing the products of digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What is carrying capacity?

Maximum average/biomass of organisms that can be sustained by an area in the long term. Signup and view all the answers

Define random sample.

A sampling method used to ensure that every individual in a studied area has an equal chance of being observed. Signup and view all the answers

What is evolution?

The process of cumulative change of heritable characteristics of a population. Signup and view all the answers

Define herbivory.

A form of interaction where a primary consumer feeds upon a producer. Signup and view all the answers

What is predation?

A form of interaction where a consumer feeds upon another consumer. Signup and view all the answers

What does parasitism involve?

An organism living in or on a host and obtaining food from it. Signup and view all the answers

Define competition.

A form of interaction where two species compete if the amount one species uses reduces the amount available to the other. Signup and view all the answers

What is mutualism?

A form of interaction where members of different species live in a close relationship from which both benefit. Signup and view all the answers

Define fundamental niche.

The full potential range of factors a species can use if there is no competition from other species. Signup and view all the answers

What is a realized niche?

The part of its fundamental niche that a species actually occupies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecology Concepts

Ecology: Examines interactions among living organisms and their environments.
Ecosystem: Comprises a community of organisms along with their abiotic (non-living) conditions.

Populations and Habitats

Population: Defined as individuals of the same species within a specific area and time.
Habitat: The specific environment where a species dwells.

Species and Niches

Species: Organisms capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.
Niche: Refers to an organism's role within its community, encompassing its interactions and functions.

Trophic Levels and Energy Flow

Trophic Level: Denotes an organism's position in a food chain or web.
Autotroph: Organism that synthesizes its own food using inorganic carbon sources.
Heterotroph: Requires organic material for energy, consuming other organisms.
Producer: The initial trophic level, converting solar energy into chemical energy for the ecosystem.
Consumer:Organisms that obtain nutrients and energy by consuming other organisms.

Community and Interaction Types

Community: A collection of various interacting populations in one area.
Detritivore: Organism that feeds on decomposing organic matter, primarily sourcing nutrients from microbes.
Saprotroph: Organisms that digest food externally using enzymes before absorbing the nutrients.

Population Dynamics

Carrying Capacity: The maximum biomass of organisms an environment can sustain over time.
Random Sample: Sampling technique ensuring all individuals have an equal chance of being included in the study.

Ecological Interactions

Evolution: Cumulative changes in heritable characteristics within a population over generations.
Herbivory: Occurs when primary consumers feed on producers.
Predation: Involves consumers feeding on other consumers.
Parasitism: Interaction where one organism feeds on a host, causing harm.
Competition: Occurs when two species vie for resources, reducing availability for one.
Mutualism: Interaction benefiting both species involved.

Niche Concepts

Fundamental Niche: The complete range of conditions and resources a species could potentially use without competition.
Realized Niche: The actual conditions and resources utilized by a species, influenced by competition and other interactions.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on fundamental ecology concepts including ecosystems, populations, and their habitats. Understand the roles of species, niches, and trophic levels in energy flow within ecosystems. This quiz covers essential topics crucial for ecology studies.