Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the two main branches of ecology?
What are the two main branches of ecology?
Abiotic components of an ecosystem include living organisms like plants and animals.
Abiotic components of an ecosystem include living organisms like plants and animals.
False (B)
What is an ecological niche?
What is an ecological niche?
A specific portion of the habitat occupied by a particular species of organism.
The total number of the same species living together in a given area is called a ______.
The total number of the same species living together in a given area is called a ______.
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Match the ecological concepts with their definitions:
Match the ecological concepts with their definitions:
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Which of the following is NOT a difference between food chains and food webs?
Which of the following is NOT a difference between food chains and food webs?
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A rainforest is an example of biomass.
A rainforest is an example of biomass.
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What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
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Study Notes
Ecology: Definition and Branches
- Ecology studies the relationship between organisms and their environment.
- Two main branches: autecology (individual organisms/species) and synecology (inter-relationships between groups of organisms).
Basic Ecological Concepts
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Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment.
- Biotic Components: Living parts (producers, consumers, decomposers).
- Abiotic Components: Non-living parts (climate, inorganic materials, nutrients).
- Ecological Niche: The specific role a species plays in its habitat.
- Population: All organisms of the same species in a given area.
- Environment: All external factors (living and non-living) affecting an organism.
- Biotic Community: A group of different species interacting in a shared environment.
- Biomass: A large community of organisms (e.g., rainforest).
- Habitat: An area where a biotic community resides.
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Food Chain: A linear sequence of feeding relationships.
- Energy flows from producers to consumers.
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Food Web: A complex network of interconnected food chains.
- More complex than food chains, showing multiple feeding relationships.
- Offers greater chances of survival for organisms compared to a single food chain.
Comparing Food Chains and Food Webs
- Food Chains: Linear, single path of energy flow. Fewer organisms, lower survival rates.
- Food Webs: Complex, multiple interacting paths. More organisms, greater survival rates.
Tropic Levels and Pyramids
- Tropic Levels: Feeding levels in food chains/webs.
- Pyramid of Numbers: Depicts the number of organisms at each trophic level in a food chain; generally decreases from base to top.
- Pyramid of Energy: Shows energy abundance at different levels; always decreases from base (producers) to top (apex consumers/decomposers).
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of ecology, including its definition and key branches. This quiz covers important ecological concepts such as ecosystems, niches, and biotic communities. Assess your understanding of how organisms interact with their environment.
