Profcor 9 - Prelim Lesson 2

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Questions and Answers

Who coined the term 'ecology'?

German zoologist Ernst Haeckel (correct)

British naturalist Charles Darwin

Greek philosopher Aristotle

German botanist Ernst Haeckel

What does the Greek word 'oikos' mean?

Household (correct)

Biology

Environment

Ecosystem

What is the focus of the study of ecology?

The study of the Earth's atmospheric systems

The study of living organisms only

The study of the physical environment only

The relationships between living organisms and their physical environment (correct)

What is an organism, according to ecology?

A living being that has a cellular structure and can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'environment' include in ecology?

Both other organisms and physical surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the interactions between individuals, populations, and their environment?

The formation of a ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the study of the relationships between living organisms and their natural environment?

Ecology Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the variables of interest to ecologists?

The composition, distribution, biomass, number, and changing states of organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for all the population occupying a given area?

Population Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest level of ecological organization?

Biosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is a biome?

A collection of plants and animals that have common characteristics for the environment they exist in Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms and their physical environment?

Ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms on Earth?

Biosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area?

Population Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of aquatic ecosystems?

Freshwater and Saltwater Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical component of an ecosystem?

Energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of ecology?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ecology as a subject?

It is a diversified and complex subject Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the conceptualization of ecology and the theory of evolution?

Life history, natural selection, population, adaptation, inheritance, and development Signup and view all the answers

Why is ecology important for all living species?

Because all living beings are dependent on the earth for everything Signup and view all the answers

What do ecologists study?

The interrelationships between organisms and their environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the Greek word 'oikos'?

House Signup and view all the answers

What is a habitat?

A description of where an organism is found Signup and view all the answers

What happens if one thing changes in a habitat?

The factors would be incapable of detection Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits?

Carbon Cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers?

Transpiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes?

Pedosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time?

Productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the constant productivity despite major disturbances such as typhoon, drought, floods, etc.?

Sustainability Signup and view all the answers

What is the even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries?

Equitability Signup and view all the answers

What is the constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors?

Stability Signup and view all the answers

What type of cycle is characterized by the health or well-being of an ecosystem?

Nutrient Cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding endangered or threatened species?

Illegal killing of animals or fish Signup and view all the answers

What are the non-living chemical and physical factors that affect living organisms and ecosystems?

Abiotic components Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of organismal ecology?

The way an individual interacts with its environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the rare butterfly that is highly dependent on the presence of wild lupine plants for its survival?

Karner blue butterfly Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the habitat of the Karner blue butterfly?

Open areas with few trees or shrubs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the study of the adaptations that enable an organism to survive in a specific habitat?

Preferential adaptation Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a coral reef ecosystem?

An underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the study of the interactions between individual organisms and their environment?

Organismal ecology Signup and view all the answers

The four basic principles of ecology were formulated by a biologist and physicist named Charles Darwin.

False Signup and view all the answers

In ecology, everything must go somewhere, including energy and matter.

True Signup and view all the answers

The study of ecology only focuses on living organisms and their interactions.

False Signup and view all the answers

There are six levels of ecological organization, ranging from organism to biosphere.

False Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'nature knows best' means that human intervention can improve the natural environment.

False Signup and view all the answers

There is no such thing as a free lunch in ecology, meaning that every action has a consequence.

True Signup and view all the answers

The ecosystem is the highest level of ecological organization.

False Signup and view all the answers

Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.

True Signup and view all the answers

A community refers to a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area

False Signup and view all the answers

The biosphere is the portion of earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere

True Signup and view all the answers

An ecosystem is composed of three components: community, population, and organism

False Signup and view all the answers

A population is a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area

True Signup and view all the answers

The five levels of ecological organization, in order, are: organism, community, population, ecosystem, and biosphere

False Signup and view all the answers

The biosphere is the largest level of ecological organization

True Signup and view all the answers

A community is a single species occupying a given area

False Signup and view all the answers

The ecosystem is the interaction between the community and the non-living environment

True Signup and view all the answers

Cybernetics is the study of control and communication in animals and humans.

True Signup and view all the answers

The first law of cybernetics is not relevant to understanding and developing individual self-determination.

False Signup and view all the answers

Energy flow is not a driving force of ecosystem functions.

False Signup and view all the answers

The study of cybernetics is only relevant to machines and not humans.

False Signup and view all the answers

The organization in which we work is an example of a system.

True Signup and view all the answers

The study of cybernetics is a modern concept with no historical roots.

False Signup and view all the answers

Cybernetics is not relevant to social and organizational systems.

False Signup and view all the answers

The first law of cybernetics is not essential for our ability to interact and respond effectively within work and beyond.

False Signup and view all the answers

Most of the water taken up by the roots is used for growth and metabolism in plants.

False Signup and view all the answers

The hydrologic cycle is driven by the sun's heat energy.

True Signup and view all the answers

Dredging is a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling organisms or harvesting coral.

True Signup and view all the answers

Pollution is the introduction of harmless materials into the environment.

False Signup and view all the answers

Ecology is the study of the interactions between individuals and their physical environment.

True Signup and view all the answers

Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash.

True Signup and view all the answers

The majority of water in plants is used for releasing water from their leaves, which then evaporates.

True Signup and view all the answers

Dredging always causes significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems.

False Signup and view all the answers

Siltification is a type of water pollution caused by dissolved chemicals.

False Signup and view all the answers

Agroecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their natural environment.

False Signup and view all the answers

Deforestation and soil erosion can lead to the clotting of water channels and reservoirs with silt and mud.

True Signup and view all the answers

Agroecology is a branch of ecology that focuses on the management of natural ecosystems.

False Signup and view all the answers

Siltification refers to the increased concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.

False Signup and view all the answers

Ecological principles can be used to improve agricultural production systems.

True Signup and view all the answers

Siltification is a type of air pollution.

False Signup and view all the answers

Agroecology is a pure science that studies ecological processes in natural environments.

False Signup and view all the answers

The term 'ecology' was coined by the German zoologist _______________________ Haeckel.

Ernst Signup and view all the answers

The Greek word 'oikos' means _______________________ or 'place to live'.

household Signup and view all the answers

Ecology is the study of relationships and processes linking living things to their _______________________ environment.

physical and chemical Signup and view all the answers

An _______________________ is a living being that has a cellular structure and that can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life.

organism Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'environment' involves relationships between individuals within a population and between individuals of different _______________________.

populations Signup and view all the answers

The interactions between individuals, populations, and their environment form _______________________.

ecological systems Signup and view all the answers

Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount (_____________________), number and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems.

biomass Signup and view all the answers

Ecology deals with the organism and its environment, which includes _______________________ surroundings.

physical Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form

organism Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is a group of individuals of the same species in a certain area at a given time

population Signup and view all the answers

A ______ refers to all the populations in an ecosystem

community Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the portion of earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere

biosphere Signup and view all the answers

The 5 levels of ecological organization, in order, are organism, ______, community, ecosystem, and biosphere

population Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the interaction of the community and the non-living environment from an ecosystem

ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms and their physical environment

ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the largest level of ecological organization, including all living organisms on Earth

biosphere Signup and view all the answers

Ø occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with ______ and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion

silt Signup and view all the answers

Ø or siltification, is water pollution caused by particulate terrestrial clastic ______, with a particle size dominated by silt or clay

material Signup and view all the answers

The ______ cycle is characterized by the health or well-being of an ecosystem.

nutrient Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes.

pedosphere Signup and view all the answers

AGROECOLOGY is a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development and management of ______ environment

agricultural Signup and view all the answers

Ø is an applied science that studies ecological processes applied to ______ production systems

agricultural Signup and view all the answers

The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts is called ______.

transpiration Signup and view all the answers

Ø Bringing ecological principles to bear can suggest new management approaches in ______ systems

agroecosystems Signup and view all the answers

The constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors is known as ______.

stability Signup and view all the answers

The ______ cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.

carbon Signup and view all the answers

AGROECOLOGY is a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development and management of ______ environment

agricultural Signup and view all the answers

The even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries is known as ______.

equitability Signup and view all the answers

Ø or siltification, is water pollution caused by particulate terrestrial clastic material, with a particle size dominated by ______ or clay

silt Signup and view all the answers

Ø refers both to the increased concentration of suspended ______ and to the increased accumulation of fine sediments on bottoms where they are undesirable

sediments Signup and view all the answers

The net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time is known as ______.

productivity Signup and view all the answers

The constant productivity despite major disturbances such as typhoon, drought, floods, etc. is known as ______.

sustainability Signup and view all the answers

The scientific discipline that involves the study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment is known as _______________________.

biogeochemistry Signup and view all the answers

The increase of concentration of a substance in an organism due to accumulation from water and food exposure is known as _______________________.

biological magnification Signup and view all the answers

The outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes is known as the _______________________.

pedosphere Signup and view all the answers

Thestudy of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment, including the _______________________.

biosphere Signup and view all the answers

The cycles of matter and energy that transport the earth’s chemical components in time and space are affected by the _______________________.

biota Signup and view all the answers

The position occupied by an organism in the food chain is known as the _______________________.

trophic level Signup and view all the answers

The accumulation of a chemical by an organism from water and food exposure that results in a concentration greater than expected from equilibrium is known as _______________________.

biological magnification Signup and view all the answers

The study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment is also known as the study of the _______________________.

natural environment Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Biogeochemistry = The scientific discipline that involves the study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment. Biological Magnification = The increase of concentration of a substance in the tissues of tolerant organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain. Ecosystems with High Biodiversity = Ecosystems that have a high variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Trophic Level = The position occupied by an organism in the food chain. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Biogeochemistry = The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers. Biological Magnification = The increase of concentration of a substance in the tissues of tolerant organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain. Ecosystems with High Biodiversity = Ecosystems that have a high variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Pedosphere = The outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Lithosphere = The solid outer layer of the planet, comprising the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. Hydrosphere = All of the water on the surface of the Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Atmosphere = The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth, including nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases. Biosphere = The portion of the Earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Biota = All living organisms in an ecosystem. Cryosphere = The portion of the Earth's surface where water is in solid form, including ice and snow. Pedosphere = The outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes. Ecosystem = A community of living and non-living things interacting with each other in a specific environment. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Biodiversity = The variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms in an ecosystem. Ecological Organization = The levels of organization in an ecosystem, ranging from organism to biosphere. Ecosystem Services = The benefits that humans derive from functioning ecosystems. Ecological Processes = The chemical, physical, and biological processes that govern the composition of the natural environment. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Trophic Level = The position occupied by an organism in the food chain. Food Chain = A series of organisms each of which is consumed by the next, forming a linear sequence of predator and prey. Ecosystem = A community of living and non-living things interacting with each other in a specific environment. Biome = A large region of the Earth's surface characterized by a specific type of ecosystem, such as a desert or grassland. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Biogeochemical Cycles = The cycles of matter and energy that transport the Earth's chemical components in time and space. Ecological Niche = The specific role or position of an organism in its environment. Ecological Succession = The process of change in the species composition of a biological community over time. Ecological Balance = The stable state of an ecosystem where the rates of resource inputs and outputs are balanced. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Species = A group of living organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Population = A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area. Community = A group of different species living in a specific area. Ecosystem = A community of living and non-living things interacting with each other in a specific environment. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Ecological Pyramid = A diagram that shows the relationships between organisms at different trophic levels in an ecosystem. Food Web = A complex network of food chains in an ecosystem. Ecosystem Services = The benefits that humans derive from functioning ecosystems. Ecological Processes = The chemical, physical, and biological processes that govern the composition of the natural environment. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Ecological Niche = The specific role or position of an organism in its environment. Ecological Succession = The process of change in the species composition of a biological community over time. Ecological Balance = The stable state of an ecosystem where the rates of resource inputs and outputs are balanced. Ecological Sustainability = The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its integrity and functionality over time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Ecology

Coined by German zoologist Ernst Haeckel, who applied the term "oekologie" to the relationship between animals and their organic and inorganic environment.
Derived from the Greek word "oikos," meaning "household," "home," or "place to live."
Ecology is the study of relationships and processes linking living things to their physical and chemical environment.

Organism and Environment

An organism is a living being with a cellular structure that can independently perform all physiological functions necessary for life.
Environment includes both other organisms and physical surroundings.
Interactions between individuals, populations, and organisms and their environment form ecological systems, or ecosystems.

Ecosystems

Ecosystems are the study of interrelationships and interdependencies of organisms with their environment.
Ecosystems can be terrestrial, aquatic, or a combination of both.
There are 5 levels of ecological organization: organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.

Levels of Ecological Organization

Biosphere: the global sum of all ecosystems on Earth.
Biome: a large, naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.
Ecosystem: a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other.
Community: a group of populations of different species living in a specific area.
Population: a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
Organism: a living being with a cellular structure.

Types of Ecosystems

Terrestrial ecosystems: including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Aquatic ecosystems: including freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.

Components of an Ecosystem

Functional components: energy, food, and other important factors.
Gaseous and sedimentary cycles: including the hydrological cycle, terrestrial profile, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.

Ecosystem Properties

Productivity: the net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time.
Sustainability: the constant productivity despite major disturbances.
Equitability: the even distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries.
Stability: the constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors.

Important Terminologies and Definitions

Carbon cycle: the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.
Pedosphere: the outermost layer of the Earth composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes.
Transpiration: the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts.
Abiotic component: the non-living chemical and physical factors that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.
Organismal ecology: the study of how an individual interacts with its environment, focusing on morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations.
Coral reefs: underwater ecosystems characterized by reef-building corals.

The Four Basic Principles of Ecology

Everything is connected to everything else: humans and other species are dependent on each other and are part of a large network of interrelated components.
Everything must go somewhere: all actions have consequences and materials are transformed but not eliminated.
Nature knows best: natural systems are self-regulating and human interventions can have unintended consequences.
There is no such thing as a free lunch: all actions require energy and resources, and every gain has a corresponding cost.

5 Levels of Ecological Organization

Organism: an individual living being, such as an animal, plant, or microbe.
Population: a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
Community: multiple populations interacting with each other in a specific area.
Ecosystem: the interaction between living organisms and their non-living environment.
Biosphere: the entire portion of the Earth that supports life, from the ocean floor to the atmosphere.

Ecological Concepts

Energy flow: the driving force behind ecosystem functions, particularly solar energy absorbed by plants for growth and food production.
Cybernetics: the science of control and communication in systems, including living organisms and machines.
Functional components of an ecosystem: control of cybernetics, which includes the study of regulation, control, and organization.

Important Terminologies and Definitions

Population: all organisms in an ecosystem that belong to the same species.
Community: refers to populations in an ecosystem.
Hydrologic cycle: the process of water evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, driven by the sun's heat energy.
Ecology: the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
Dredging: the excavation of material from a water environment, often used for collecting marine life or reshape land and water features.
Pollution: the introduction of harmful materials into the environment, causing damage to air, water, and land quality.
Agroecology: the science of applying ecological concepts to the design, development, and management of agricultural environments.

Other Concepts

Food web: the network of energy flow and nutrient exchange in an ecosystem.
Lost habitat – species migration: the impact of habitat destruction on species migration and adaptation.

Ecology Definition and Overview

Ecology is the study of relationships and processes linking living things to the physical and chemical environment.
The term "ecology" comes from the Greek "oikos," meaning "household," "home," or "place to live."
Ecology deals with the organism and its environment.

Organism and Environment

An organism is a living being that has a cellular structure and can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life.
In multi-cellular organisms, all cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems work together to maintain the life and health of the organism.
Environment includes both other organisms and physical surroundings.

Ecological Systems

Interactions between individuals, populations, and organisms and their environment form ecological systems or ecosystems.
Ecosystems consist of the community and the non-living environment.

5 Levels of Ecological Organization

Organism: an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
Population: groups of individuals of the same species in a certain area at a given time.
Community: refers to populations in an ecosystem.
Ecosystem: interaction of the community and the non-living environment.
Biosphere: the portion of the earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere.

Functional Components of an Ecosystem

Gaseous and sedimentary cycles: nutrient cycling characterizes the health or well-being of an ecosystem.
Hydrological cycle: the process of water movement through the environment.
Carbon cycle: the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
Nitrogen cycle: the process of nitrogen exchange among the environment.
Phosphorous cycle: nutrient cycling that characterizes the health or well-being of an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Properties

Productivity: the net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time.
Sustainability: the constant productivity despite major disturbances.
Equitability: the even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries.
Stability: the constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors.

Important Terminologies and Definitions

Agroecology: a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development, and management of agricultural environments.
Biogeochemistry: the scientific discipline that involves the study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment.
Biological magnification: the increase of concentration of a substance in an organism through food and water exposure.
Pedosphere: the outermost layer of the earth composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes.
Transpiration: the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts.

Ecological Organization

The 5 levels of ecological organization are: organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.
Organism: an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
Population: groups of individuals of the same species in a certain area at a given time.
Community: populations of different species in an ecosystem.
Ecosystem: interaction between a community and its non-living environment.
Biosphere: the portion of the earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere.

Structural Components of an Ecosystem

Non-living components (abiotic factors): inorganic substances (e.g. nitrogen, carbon, water), organic compounds (e.g. carbohydrates, proteins), and climate regimes (e.g. rainfall, temperature).

Keystone Species

A species that is disproportionately connected to more species in the food web, having a significant impact on the ecosystem.
Loss of a keystone species can result in dramatic cascading effects, altering trophic dynamics and potentially causing extinctions.

Food Chain and Food Web

A food relationship among plants and animals.
Energy flow drives ecosystem functions, with solar energy being absorbed by plants for growth and food production.

Functional Components of an Ecosystem

Cybernetics: the science of control and communications in systems, including biological and mechanical systems.
Cybernetics is used to explain and manage the effective workings of systems and can help individuals develop greater self-determination and understanding.

Important Terminologies and Definitions

Deep Sea Vent: a hydrothermal vent formed on the ocean floor where seawater circulates through hot volcanic rocks, supporting diverse and unusual organisms.
Tropical Forest: a terrestrial biome characterized by vertical stratification with trees in the canopy blocking light to bottom strata, receiving high rainfall, and having uniformly high temperatures.
Silotation: a process by which water becomes dirty due to fine mineral particles in the water.
Biogeochemistry: the study of chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment.
Biological Magnification: the increase in concentration of a substance in an organism due to exposure to water and food, resulting in a concentration greater than expected from water exposure alone.

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Description

Introduction to ecology, its definition, and its significance in understanding relationships between living organisms and their environment.