Ecology of Deserts and Forest Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of Earth's land surface do deserts cover?

  • 50%
  • 20% (correct)
  • 25%
  • 10%

What is the maximum temperature range experienced in a desert within a single day?

  • 30°C to 40°C
  • 50°C to nearly zero (correct)
  • 20°C to 30°C
  • 10°C to 20°C

What is the term for plants that have adapted to survive in a desert environment?

  • Mesophytes
  • Halophytes
  • Xerophytes (correct)
  • Hydrophytes

Which of these is NOT a typical characteristic of desert plants?

<p>Large, broad leaves (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals is NOT commonly found in deserts?

<p>Elephants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a forest ecosystem?

<p>Includes large trees and thick vegetation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of a forest ecosystem?

<p>Solar energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the forest floor is found directly beneath the soil-surface?

<p>Upper-soil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is water present in a forest ecosystem?

<p>Circulates from the ground up and down (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are layers of tree cover in a forest ecosystem?

<p>Upper-Canopy, Mid-Canopy, Lower-Canopy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the marine ecosystem as presented in the diagram?

<p>Deserts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a land-based component of the marine ecosystem, as shown in the diagram?

<p>Seaweed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a water-based component of the marine ecosystem as presented in the diagram?

<p>Commercial fishing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a type of animal found in the marine ecosystem, that is NOT part of the 'Animals' category in the diagram?

<p>Dolphins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy source for the marine ecosystem as depicted in the diagram?

<p>The Sun (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a eutrophic lake?

<p>High nutrient levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of lakes is typically characterized by poor light penetration?

<p>Both B and C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the limited variety of fish species in oligotrophic lakes?

<p>Limited food sources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lake is most likely to have a clear and light-colored water appearance?

<p>Oligotrophic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical fish species found in eutrophic lakes?

<p>Lake trout (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a labeled body of water in the world map described?

<p>Black Sea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by marine waters?

<p>66% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of a marine ecosystem?

<p>Abiotic and biotic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of the marine ecosystem?

<p>Abundant aquatic food (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the marine ecosystem?

<p>Always having a high temperature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a lotic ecosystem?

<p>It has flowing water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an abiotic component of a river ecosystem?

<p>Fish (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a biotic component of a river ecosystem?

<p>Algae (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of water for the major rivers of India?

<p>Rainfall and runoff (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why understanding ecosystems is important for comprehending the Earth System?

<p>Ecosystems provide a framework for understanding how different Earth processes interact. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct consequence of human activities on ecosystems?

<p>Human actions are causing significant changes to ecosystems and the Earth system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do changes within an ecosystem affect the entire system?

<p>Changes in an ecosystem have cascading effects, impacting everything from food supply to available nutrients. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of how human activities can negatively impact an ecosystem?

<p>Pollution, such as dumping waste into the ocean, can severely damage an ecosystem and harm its inhabitants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the text?

<p>The Earth System is comprised of various interconnected ecosystems that are vital for human well-being. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of lake is characterized by low nutrient levels and high oxygen content?

<p>Oligotrophic lake (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a dystrophic lake?

<p>Low in nutrients and rich in organic matter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of lake mentioned?

<p>Mesotrophic lake (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of eutrophic lakes?

<p>High nutrient levels and increased productivity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a lake that has a standing body of water?

<p>Lentic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a larger predator in the desert ecosystem?

<p>Hawk (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary producer in the desert ecosystem?

<p>Thorn Acacias (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals is a carnivore that eats insects?

<p>Lizards (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals feeds directly on primary producers like cacti and creosote bushes?

<p>Kangaroo Rats (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interactions is NOT shown in the food web example provided?

<p>Kangaroo Rats eating insects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an estuary?

<p>A shallow water body where river water mixes with sea water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes estuaries rich in nutrients?

<p>The mixing of fresh and salt water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of an estuary?

<p>The mixing of fresh and salt water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are estuaries good fishing grounds?

<p>Because they are rich in nutrients (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a factor found in an estuarine ecosystem?

<p>Freshwater only (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ecosystem Ecology

The study of ecosystems to understand Earth System processes.

Goods and Services

Resources and benefits ecosystems provide to humans.

Human Impact

Effects of human activities on ecosystems and biosphere.

Cascading Effects

Ripple effects that occur when an ecosystem changes.

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Pollution and Deforestation

Human activities that harm ecosystems, causing danger to organisms.

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Larger Predators

Top carnivores in the desert food web like Hawks and Kit Foxes.

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Small Predators

Carnivorous insects like Tarantulas and Scorpions that hunt smaller animals.

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Primary Consumers

Plant-eating animals that rely on primary producers like Insects and Lizards.

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Primary Producers

Plants that produce energy from sunlight, such as Cacti and Rabbit Brush.

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Energy Flow

The direction in which energy moves through the food web, shown by arrows.

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Desert

A region receiving less than 250 mm of precipitation per year.

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Xerophytes

Plants adapted to arid conditions with modifications to retain water.

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Adaptations for Water Conservation

Morphological changes in plants and animals to minimize water loss.

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Desert Temperature Range

Deserts can have temperatures from 50°C to nearly 0°C within a day.

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Nocturnal Behavior

Desert animals' strategy of being active at night to avoid heat.

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Estuary

The area where river water meets and mixes with sea water.

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Nutrient-rich waters

Estuaries are high in nutrients, supporting diverse life.

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Fishing ground

Estuaries serve as productive areas for fishing.

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Abiotic factors

Non-living elements in an estuarine ecosystem, like water and salt.

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Biotic factors

Living components of the estuarine ecosystem, such as fish and plants.

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Forest Ecosystem

A major terrestrial ecosystem with large trees and dense vegetation.

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Layers of a Forest

Different sections in the forest: Upper-Canopy, Mid-Canopy, Lower-Canopy.

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Forest Floor Layers

Different layers: Understory, Soil-surface, Upper-soil, Deep-soil.

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Components of Forest Ecosystem

Includes air, wildlife, microbes, fungi, and water.

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Nutrient Circulation

Movement of nutrients represented as arrows within the ecosystem.

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Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH levels of ocean water due to increased CO2 absorption.

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Phytoplankton

Microscopic plants in oceans that perform photosynthesis, serving as primary producers.

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Estuaries

Coastal areas where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from oceans, rich in biodiversity.

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Bivalve Molluscs

Aquatic animals with two-part shells, including clams and oysters, important for ecosystems.

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Commercial Fishing

The industry of catching fish for sale, impacting marine populations and ecosystems.

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Oligotrophic Lakes

Young, deep lakes with low nutrients and high oxygen.

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Eutrophic Lakes

Shallow lakes rich in nutrients and biodiversity.

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Dystrophic Lakes

Lakes that may be shallow or deep but are low in nutrients and biodiversity.

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Nutrient Levels in Lakes

Indicate the amount of organic and inorganic substances in lake water.

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Light Penetration in Lakes

The clarity of water affecting how much sunlight reaches aquatic plants.

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Marine Ecosystem

An ecosystem that comprises the ocean and sea, covering two-thirds of Earth’s surface.

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Aquatic Food Wealth

Marine ecosystems are rich in diverse food sources that support various life forms.

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Major Oceans and Seas

Includes bodies of water like the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico.

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Lake

A large freshwater body that is standing water and has no connection to the sea.

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Lentic Water Body

A term describing still, non-flowing freshwater environments like lakes and ponds.

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Lotic Ecosystems

Ecosystems characterized by flowing water, like rivers.

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Abiotic Components

Non-living factors in an ecosystem, such as water and soil.

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Biotic Components

Living factors in an ecosystem, such as plants and animals.

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Major Rivers of India

Important rivers including Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.

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Water Current

The movement of water in a river, essential for a lotic ecosystem.

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Study Notes

Why We Should Care About Ecosystems

  • Ecosystem ecology provides a mechanistic basis for understanding the Earth System.
  • Ecosystems provide goods and services to society.
  • Human activities are changing ecosystems.
  • When an ecosystem changes, such as a pond dries out, a new organism is introduced to the ecosystem, it affects the entire process, from the organism's food supply to the nutrients and chemicals available in the ecosystem.
  • Humans largely affect the biosphere, sometimes obviously, and other times, obviously.
  • Pollution in the ocean or the cutting down of trees for construction purposes can destroy an ecosystem and put organisms in grave danger.

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