Ecology Overview Quiz

Ecology

• Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Key components include organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
• Ecological factors influencing organisms are:
  • Abiotic factors: non-living components like temperature, sunlight, water, and nutrients.
  • Biotic factors: living components like predation, competition, and symbiosis.
• Different ecological levels of organization:
  • Organisms: Individual living things.
  • Populations: Groups of the same species living in the same area.
  • Communities: All the populations of different species in a given area.
  • Ecosystems: The interacting community of organisms and their physical environment.
  • Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems.
• Key ecological concepts include:
  • Energy flow: The movement of energy through an ecosystem.
  • Nutrient cycling: The movement and transformation of nutrients within an ecosystem.
  • Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems.
  • Population dynamics: The study of how populations change over time.
  • Succession: The gradual change in species composition in an ecosystem over time.
  • Habitat: The place where an organism lives.
  • Niche: The role of an organism in its environment.
  • Community interactions: Feeding relationships, competition, predation, and symbiosis.

Plant Cell

• Plant cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
• Key components of a plant cell:
  • Cell wall: A rigid outer layer made of cellulose that provides support and protection.
  • Cell membrane: A thin membrane surrounding the cytoplasm, controlling what enters and leaves the cell.
  • Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA).
  • Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance filling the cell.
  • Mitochondria: The powerhouses of the cell, producing energy.
  • Chloroplasts: Organelles containing chlorophyll, responsible for photosynthesis.
  • Vacuole: A large central vacuole that stores water, nutrients, and waste products.
  • Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi apparatus: Involved in protein and lipid synthesis, transport, and modification.
• Plant cells differ from animal cells in having chloroplasts, a large central vacuole, and a rigid cell wall.
• Specialized plant cells include:
  • Parenchyma cells: Perform diverse functions like storage and photosynthesis.
  • Collenchyma cells: Provide structural support to young parts of the plant.
  • Sclerenchyma cells: Provide support in mature plant parts.
  • Xylem and phloem cells: Transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.

Animal Cell

• Animal cells are also eukaryotic, possessing a nucleus and other organelles.
• Key components of an animal cell:
  • Cell membrane: Encloses the cell cytoplasm.
  • Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA).
  • Cytoplasm: Fills the cell.
  • Mitochondria: Generates energy.
  • Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins.
  • Endoplasmic reticulum: Transports molecules within the cell.
  • Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
  • Lysosomes: Break down waste materials.
  • Centrioles: Assist in cell division.
  • Cytoskeleton: Provides structure and support.
• Animal cells differ from plant cells by not having a cell wall or chloroplasts. They typically have smaller vacuoles.
• Specialized animal cells include:
  • Nerve cells: Transmit electrical signals.
  • Muscle cells: Generate movement.
  • Blood cells: Transport oxygen and other substances.
  • Epithelial cells: Cover and line body surfaces.
  • Connective tissue cells: Support and connect other tissues.
• Structure of an animal cell is closely related to its function and role in the wider organism.