Questions and Answers
The population of zooplankton is always higher than that of phytoplankton.
False
Zooplankton population peaks coincide with phytoplankton population peaks.
True
The peak of the zooplankton population occurs in the spring and is delayed compared to phytoplankton.
True
The primary reason for the drop in phytoplankton population in late autumn is high light intensity.
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The introduction of European rabbits to Australia led to an increase in biodiversity.
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Farmers attempted various methods to control rabbit populations, including using the Myxoma virus.
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The Myxoma virus was ineffective in reducing rabbit numbers in Australia.
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Loss of vegetation can lead to soil erosion and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.
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Rabbits were introduced to Australia in the 19th century and quickly multiplied across the continent.
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Predator populations are usually greater than the populations of their prey.
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Study Notes
Ecology Definitions
- Ecology: Study of interrelationships among plants, animals, and their environment.
- Ecosystem: A community of organisms interacting with each other and their environment.
- Biosphere: All regions of Earth that support life.
- Habitat: Specific environment where a species resides.
- Abiotic Factors: Non-living environmental components, such as temperature and water.
- Edaphic Factors: Soil-related abiotic factors influencing organisms.
- Biotic Factors: Living influences on organisms, including competition and symbiosis.
- Environmental Factors: Conditions required for species survival; includes both abiotic and biotic elements.
- Adaptations: Traits that enhance an organism's survival within its specific environment.
Environmental Factors Affecting Living Organisms
Biotic Factors
- Feeding Relationships: Availability of food influences population sizes; if a food source is abundant, predator populations increase.
- Disease: Populations can decline due to diseases spread by other organisms.
- Pollination: Critical for plant reproduction; pollinator scarcity affects seed production and plant populations.
- Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria: Essential for soil fertility; found in leguminous plants and restores nitrates.
- Decomposers: Break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.
Abiotic Factors
- Climatic Factors: Include temperature, light, and precipitation, affecting habitat suitability.
- Water Content: Essential for plant functions like photosynthesis; absorbed by roots.
- Air Content: Supplies oxygen; depletion affects plant and microbial growth.
- Mineral Content: Vital for plant health; deficiencies lead to growth issues like chlorosis.
Aquatic vs. Terrestrial Differences
- Light Penetration: Limits plankton growth to surface waters; less light deeper in aquatic habitats.
- Currents: Influence the distribution of organisms; may wash them away.
- Wave Action: Physical forces that can damage or displace organisms.
- Salinity: Adaptations required to survive in varying salt concentrations.
- Oxygen Levels: Generally lower in aquatic environments; specific organisms have adapted to these conditions.
Interdependence and Trophic Levels
- Interdependence: Species rely on each other for survival, exemplified by pollination relationships between plants and pollinators.
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Trophic Levels: Hierarchical levels in a food chain:
- Primary Producers: Green plants.
- Primary Consumers: Herbivores.
- Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that eat herbivores.
- Tertiary Consumers: Carnivores that prey on other carnivores.
- Food Web: Network of interconnected food chains, illustrating more complex interactions.
Pyramid of Numbers
- Pyramid Shape: Illustrates the number of organisms at each trophic level; typically decreases towards the top due to energy loss (approx. 90% loss).
- Inverted Food Pyramid: Occurs when larger organisms support many smaller ones, leading to unusual shapes.
Niche Concept
- Niche: The role and position of an organism in its environment, including habitat, dietary habits, and interactions with other species.
Pollution Overview
- Natural Pollutants: Includes volcanic eruptions and forest fire smoke.
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Types of Pollution:
- Domestic Pollution: Household waste.
- Agricultural Pollution: Pesticides and fertilizer runoff.
- Industrial Pollution: Byproducts causing environmental harm, including acid rain.
Ozone Depletion
- Ozone Layer: Essential for blocking harmful UV radiation; composed of O3 molecules.
- Causes of Depletion: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from products like spray cans and refrigerants.
- Effects: Increased UV leads to health risks (skin cancer, cataracts), crop damage, and disruptions in aquatic ecosystems.
- Mitigation Strategies: Reduce CFC usage, switch to HFCs, and properly dispose of CFC-containing appliances.
Conservation Practices in Fisheries
- Challenges: Overfishing, pollution, and usage of inappropriate fishing nets.
- Ecological Impact: Pollution diminishes fish populations; larger effects on intertwined aquatic food webs.
Rabbit Population Control in Australia
- Introduction: European rabbits introduced in 1859 led to ecological destruction.
- Consequences: Overpopulation caused vegetation loss, soil erosion, and destruction of aquatic habitats.
- Control Measures: Included fencing, poisons, and introducing the Myxoma virus; initial success but ultimately not sustainable.
Estimating Rabbit Numbers
- Suggested methods for assessment include population sampling techniques, mark-recapture methods, and direct observation of population indicators.
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Description
Test your knowledge on essential ecology terminology! This quiz covers key definitions such as ecosystem, biosphere, habitat, and factors influencing life forms. Brush up on your understanding of how living organisms interact with their environment.