Ecosystems and Biomes Overview (B3)

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Questions and Answers

What is the effect of abiotic factors on ecosystems?

They solely determine the types of organisms present.

They only influence aquatic ecosystems.

They have minimal impact on organism distribution.

They affect the productivity and distribution of living things. (correct)

What are ecotones known for?

They typically have lower biodiversity.

They often contain greater biodiversity than the individual ecosystems. (correct)

They are areas with no identified organisms.

They create sharp boundaries between ecosystems.

How does having multiple food sources protect a predator species?

It ensures the predator won’t depend solely on one prey species. (correct)

It allows the predator to adapt to any environmental changes.

It eliminates competition with other predators.

It increases the predator's reproductive rate.

What does an ecological niche encompass?

All the environmental factors that influence an organism's survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of species occupying different niches in an ecosystem?

Reduced competition for food and habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What disturbance in the ecosystem occurs when a new species enters?

Competition for a niche Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes exotic species in an ecosystem?

They are not native to the ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

How did the opossum establish its niche in North America?

By competing with native species Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main causes of species depletion and extinction?

Introduction of exotic species Signup and view all the answers

Why are indigenous populations often weaker than introduced exotic species?

They are often less resilient to predators or diseases Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the bluebird population in North America due to starlings?

It decreased due to eviction from nesting sites Signup and view all the answers

How many introduced species are reported in Canada?

Less than 3000 Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the introduction of starlings in North America?

A collector’s fascination with Shakespeare Signup and view all the answers

Which biome is characterized by coniferous trees and is found primarily in Canada?

Taiga Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor determining ecosystem diversity in terrestrial environments?

Precipitation Signup and view all the answers

In aquatic environments, which zone is characterized by sufficient light for photosynthesis?

Limnetic zone Signup and view all the answers

What role do abiotic factors play in the growth of producers?

They limit growth based on environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of competition occurs between members of the same species?

Intraspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of predators in an ecosystem?

To control the population of prey species Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are affected by parasitism?

Only the host Signup and view all the answers

What sampling method uses a rectangular area to count organisms?

Transect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aquatic zones has the least light available for photosynthesis?

Profundal zone Signup and view all the answers

What is the dominant species found in the grassland biome?

Prairie grasses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following biomes has the least diversity?

Tundra Signup and view all the answers

What shape is characteristic of conifer trees in the taiga biome?

Pyramid shape Signup and view all the answers

Which biomes primarily dominate the Canadian landscape?

Taiga and tundra Signup and view all the answers

What factor is primarily related to ecosystem diversity as one approaches the equator?

Increased species diversity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Life on Earth

Not evenly distributed
Abiotic factors dictate productivity of an ecosystem
Organism tolerance of abiotic changes is limited

Ecotones

Transition area between ecosystems
Increased biodiversity compared to individual ecosystems
Enhanced stability from multiple food sources

Ecological Niches

Each organism has a unique role in an ecosystem
Includes: place in the food web, habitat, breeding area, and activity time
Reduces competition and promotes ecosystem stability

Exotic Species

Disrupt ecosystem balance through competition
Can be introduced naturally or through human intervention
Often lead to species depletion or extinction

Biomes

Large geographical areas with specific temperature and precipitation ranges
Adaptations and dominant species are characteristic of each biome

Biome Diversity

Terrestrial ecosystems: precipitation and temperature are key factors
Aquatic ecosystems: available light plays a significant role

Taiga Biome

Also known as Boreal forest biome
Dominant species: Conifers
Adapted to cold winters and warm summers
Contains diverse ecosystems with unique species

Aquatic Ecosystem Diversity

Upper layer: High light for photosynthesis
Deeper layer: Cooler with reduced light
Diversity decreases with depth

Growth-Limiting Factors

Abiotic: Soil type, moisture, humidity, temperature, etc.
Biotic: Competition, predation, parasitism

Competition

Intraspecific: Members of the same population compete for resources
Interspecific: Different species compete for resources

Predation

Predator consumes prey
Affects multiple food chain relationships

Parasitism

Parasite benefits at the expense of the host
Can impact host population density and survival rates

Population Sampling

Estimates population size using samples
Transects and quadrats are common sampling techniques

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Description

Explore the intricate relationships within ecosystems and biomes, focusing on factors that influence productivity, biodiversity, and stability. This quiz covers topics such as ecological niches, ecotones, and the impact of exotic species on environment balance.