Ecology: Relationships & Biomes

Relationships in Ecology

• Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their physical environment
• Relationships can be antagonistic (competition) or synergistic
• Antagonistic relationships involve competition for resources like nutrients and space, which occurs in plants
• Competition can be interspecific (between different species) or intraspecific (within the same species)
• Synergistic relationships include symbiotic relationships, where both organisms benefit (mutualism) or one benefits while the other is unharmed (commensalism)
• Parasitism is not applicable to plants due to competition
• Orchids benefit from trees in an association

Biomes

• Biomes are large geographical areas characterized by specific climate, vegetation, and animal life
• These factors create a distinct ecological community
• Tropical rainforests, like the Amazon in Brazil, are the most productive biomes
• Tropical rainforests are known as the "lung of the world" because of their large forests
• Rainforests absorb CO2
• CO2 emissions are mainly caused by transportation and manufacturing
• Average rainfall is 10 mm
• Tropical rainfall is 100 mm every year
• Deserts are environments where cacti survive with stomata closed during the day to preserve water
• Grassland biomes are dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, with wildflowers, shrubs, and trees
• Tundra is a cold environment

Theory of Evolution

• Adaptation to the environment is essential for evolution, as seen with COVID-19 adapting with many variants

Abiotic Parameters and Plant Adaptations

• Non-living (abiotic) parameters consist of temperature, sunlight (source of energy) and oxygen (21%)
• Morphological adaptations are physical structures that enhance plant survival
• Deep roots in desert plants help access water
• Thickened cuticles and small leaves prevent water loss
• Physiological adaptations are internal activities or functions that help plants cope with environmental stresses
• Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) plants in arid conditions fix carbon dioxide at night and release it during the day to minimize water loss
• C3 plants open their stomata during the day, while CAM plants open theirs at night
• C3 plants are most plants in surroundings
• C4 plants are corn, monocots, and grass family
• CAM plants are cacti
• Both C3 and C4 open stomata at day time
• Behavioral adaptations are responses to environmental changes, such as seasonal leaf drop in deciduous trees to conserve water during dry periods

Morphological Adaptations for survival

• Adaptations for reproduction include seed shapes that catch the wind and sweet fruits that attract animals for seed dispersal
• Plants adapt to get food by using leaves and stems to absorb energy from the sun
• Plants get water and nutrients through roots that soak them up from the soil
• Photo structural adaptation of venus fly trap for carnivorous predation
• Desert adaptations include small leaves or spines to conserve water and thick waxy cuticles to hold water
• Roots near the surface soak up rainwater quickly
• Flopping indicates excessive water
• Wilting means the opposite

Interactions and Chlorophyll

• Symbiosis is a mutualistic relationship where both parties benefit
• Competition occurs among seedling plants for nutrients and space.
• Herbivory refers to herbivores like pandas
• There are four types of chlorophyll: A, B, C, and D
• Chlorophyll A is most important in the reaction center of photosynthesis during the light reaction

Plant Community Dynamics and Biomes

• Succession is the process of change in species composition of an ecological community over time
• Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, like after a volcanic eruption
• Secondary succession happens after an existing community has been disturbed, such as after a forest fire
• Climax community is a stable and mature community with little change in species composition
• Terrestrial biomes are major ecosystems characterized by specific climate conditions and vegetation types, including tropical rainforests, tundra, and deserts
• An estuary is where marine and freshwater meet, such as a river mouth with mangroves
• Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns
• Climate describes the average temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns over a long period

Biomes and Terrestrial Considerations

• Tundra permafrost is ground frozen at or below 0°C (32°F) for at least two consecutive years, found in high latitudes and altitudes
• Tropical rainforests have very productive vegetation
• Desert biomes possess small leaves (cacti) and thick cuticles to conserve water
• Grasslands are enclosed; if enclosed in this area, then after raised in one area, grasses must be transferred if food is needed
• Temperate forest biomes have leaves that change and fall in autumn with no leaves in winter
• Pine forest biomes are conifers
• Terrestrial biomes are affected by the amount of rainfall
• Some plants cannot tolerate lower or higher temperatures
• Temperature is a vital factor that dictates the distribution of plants
• Deserts receive less than 10 mm of rainfall per year
• Tundra receives 20-30 mm of rainfall
• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life
• Biodiversity is lost through extinction, cutting of trees, wildfires, over harvesting, and climate change
• Plant stress is inhibited when temperatures are less than >35 degrees and <45 degrees
• Plant disappearance occurs above 50 degrees and less than 30 degrees
• LOAM is the best soil type because it can hold water
• Topography influences microclimates and species distribution

Plant Responses and Conservation

• Climate change causes plants to move to higher altitudes or latitudes as temperature rises
• Phenological changes alter the timing of flowering, leafing, and fruiting due to climate change
• Changes in plant communities affect ecosystems, impacting herbivores and predators
• Ozone depletion (O3) can impact ecosystems
• SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well sunscreen protects against UVB rays (not less than SPF 30)
• Protection from the sun is needed from 10 am to 3 pm
• Diverse plant communities are more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances
• Conservation strategies include protected areas, restoration ecology, and sustainable land management practices
• Human impacts, such as urbanization, deforestation, and agriculture, significantly alter plant communities and ecosystems

Food Chains and Diversity

• A food chain shows the transfer of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem, starting with producers (plants), moving through consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores), and ending with decomposers
• Collapse of the food chain may lead to extinction
• Herbivores eat plants
• Carnivores eat meat
• Omnivores eat both plants and meat
• A food web is a combination of food chains
• Species diversity refers to the variety of organisms
• Genetic diversity is the variety of genetic materials that contributes to species diversity
• Ecosystem diversity is the variety of ecosystems
• Aquatic ecosystems include freshwater (0 ppt), marine water (32-34 ppt), and brackish water (15-25 ppt)
• Salinity is the amount of salt in the water
• A refractometer measures water salinity
• Ecosystems homeostasis is when a balanced ecosystem (diversity of organisms) is maintained
• Environmental conditions play a key role in defining plant distribution
• Plants can tolerate different conditions, such as high temperature or salinity
• Desiccation is a condition of extreme dryness
• Photosystems are light collectors composed of pigments
• Photosystems absorb different wavelengths of light, at 680 nm and 700 nm
• Photosystems are destroyed if there is discoloration at higher wavelengths

Economic Importance of Plants

• Plants contribute to human well-being by producing food
• Food production relies on plants as the primary source of food for humans and livestock
• Major crops include wheat, rice, corn, and vegetables, forming the backbone of the global diet
• Cash crops, such as cotton, tobacco, coffee, and sugarcane, provide income for farmers
• Macro and micro algae seaweeds are primary producers of aquatic plants
• Plants can absorb pollutants
• Many medicines are derived from plant compounds, such as aspirin from willow bark
• Traditional medicine uses plants for various ailments
• Horticulture is the study of ornamental plants with aesthetic value for landscaping
• Ornamental plants, including flowers and shrubs, beautify landscapes contributing to mental well-being
• Home gardening promotes food security and reduces household expenses

Forestry, Textiles and Biofuels

• Wood products from trees provide timber for construction, furniture and paper products
• Non-timber forest products (NFTPs) like resins, nuts, and mushrooms have economic value supporting local communities
• Natural fibers are for fashion and textile industries.
• Biodegradable materials are increasing in popularity for sustainable products, like bamboo and jute
• Biofuels- Plants produce biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel as renewable energy alternatives
• Plant materials for energy helps reduce carbon emissions and reliance on non-renewable resources

Ecotourism, Conservation and Culture

• Plants that occur naturally in a specific area forests attract tourists
• Healthy plant communities are essential for ecosystem services, which underpin agriculture, clean water, and air quality
• Plants are water purifiers
• Carbon sequestration is the lung of the world
• Climate regulation must have CO2 for photosynthesis to sequester
• Landscaping and recreation-parks and gardens enhance property values and provide recreational opportunities