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Questions and Answers
What is the level of organization that includes all ecosystems on Earth?
What type of organisms obtain energy by consuming other organisms?
What is the process by which water is circulated between organisms and the environment?
What is the term for the introduction of non-native species that outcompete native species?
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What type of ecosystem service involves providing recreational and spiritual benefits?
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Study Notes
Ecology
Definition
- Study of the relationships between organisms and their environment
- Examines how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings
Levels of Organization
- Organism: individual living thing
- Population: group of organisms of the same species living in a specific area
- Community: group of different species living in a specific area
- Ecosystem: community of organisms and their physical environment
- Biosphere: all ecosystems on Earth
Ecosystem Components
- Biotic factors: living components (organisms, plants, animals)
- Abiotic factors: non-living components (light, temperature, water, soil)
Energy Flow
- Producers: organisms that make their own food (plants, algae)
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Consumers: organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms
- Herbivores: consume plants
- Carnivores: consume animals
- Omnivores: consume both plants and animals
- Decomposers: organisms that break down dead organic matter (bacteria, fungi)
Nutrient Cycles
- Carbon cycle: movement of carbon between organisms and the environment
- Nitrogen cycle: movement of nitrogen between organisms and the environment
- Water cycle: movement of water between organisms and the environment
Ecosystem Services
- Provisioning services: providing resources (food, water, wood)
- Regulating services: regulating ecosystem processes (climate, water cycles)
- Cultural services: providing recreational and spiritual benefits
- Supporting services: maintaining ecosystem health and function
Human Impact on Ecosystems
- Pollution: release of harmful substances into the environment
- Climate change: global warming and associated impacts
- Habitat destruction: destruction of natural habitats
- Invasive species: introduction of non-native species that outcompete native species
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Description
Test your knowledge of ecology, covering topics such as levels of organization, ecosystem components, energy flow, nutrient cycles, ecosystem services, and human impact on ecosystems.
