143 Questions
What is the primary focus of community ecologists?
Evaluating interspecific interactions and their impact on the community
Which level of ecological study focuses on advantageous traits evolved by natural selection?
Organism
What do population ecologists study in terms of characteristics?
Size, density, structure, and temporal changes
In ecology, what is defined as 'a group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area at the same time'?
Population
What level of ecological study includes interactions such as predation and commensalism?
Community
'Serengeti National Park estimates put wildebeest at between 1.3 and 1.7 million.' Which level of ecological study does this information relate to?
Population
'Adaptations / advantageous traits that are thought to have evolved by natural selection are studied by organismal ecologists.' Which level of ecological study is being described here?
Organism
'Interactions between populations' is a key focus area for which level of ecological study?
Community
What is the term used to describe a major zone of life or biogeographic region classified based on vegetation and the adaptations of organisms?
Tropical rainforest
Which zone can be described as the worldwide sum of all ecosystems and is also known as the ecosphere?
Biosphere
Which term is used to describe the community with all biotic and abiotic interactions that influence it?
Ecosystem
What is the main characteristic used to classify biomes?
Predominant vegetation
Which of the following is NOT a biome based on the options provided?
Grassland
What is the term for an area where two or more different ecosystems or biomes meet and interact?
Ecotone
Which ecological level involves observing the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients to determine ecosystem health?
Ecosystem
What are the two main subdivisions of aquatic biomes based on salinity?
Marine and Freshwater
Which marine biome is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide?
Intertidal zone
Where do coral reefs primarily occur?
Neritic zone
What is the depth range of the Neritic zone?
Low tide mark to edge of the continental shelf
Which zone receives sufficient light to support microscopic plants, animals, fish, and mammals?
Photic zone
Which biome occupies the largest part of the biosphere?
Marine biome
What characterizes organisms in the Intertidal Zone of Marine Biomes?
Adapted to harsh conditions like sandy shorelines and mangrove swamps
What makes the Oceanic Zone different from the Neritic Zone in Marine Biomes?
Receives sufficient light for microscopic plants and animals
What is the primary difference between weather and climate?
Climate is the long-term average atmospheric condition, while weather is the short-term atmospheric condition.
Which of these is NOT an atmospheric condition that affects weather?
Soil composition
Which field of study is concerned with the long-term observations of atmospheric conditions?
Climatology
What is an ecotone?
A transition or boundary between two ecosystems
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of an ecotone?
Is always a marshland
What is the edge effect in ecology?
The change in species diversity at the boundary of two ecosystems
Which of these is NOT a type of wetland ecosystem?
Rainforest
What is a riparian zone?
The transition area between a river and its riverbank
Which ecotone type is known for its role in reducing flooding?
Riparian zone
What is the primary factor affecting the distribution of plants and animals in the biosphere?
Climate
Which ecotone type is characterized by a mixture of vegetation types and is home to many animals that move between land and water?
Riparian zone
What is the primary role of riparian vegetation in aquatic ecosystems?
Contributing shade, food, and shelter for aquatic organisms
Which biome type is primarily determined by the availability of water supply?
Aquatic biomes
Which ecotone type can act as a buffer-zone protecting the neighbouring ecosystem from possible environmental damage?
Wetland area
Which type of ecotone is characterized by an increase in biodiversity associated with it?
All of the above
What is the role of riparian vegetation in regulating the run-off of water to the stream from the surrounding land?
Regulating the run-off of water to the stream
Match the following characteristics with the Riparian edge effect:
Increase in biodiversity = Associated with ecotones Edge effect = Resulting from transition areas Reduction of erosion = Contribution of riparian vegetation Natural sponge reducing flooding = Gradually soaking up run-off
Match the following terms with their corresponding definition:
Aquatic biomes = Biomes bordering bodies of water & land Terrestrial biomes = Biomes on land away from bodies of water Ecotone = Area where two different ecosystems meet and interact Riparian zone = Ecotone type bordering bodies of water & land
Match the following statements with the correct biome type:
Coral reefs primarily occur in this biome = Marine Biomes Serengeti National Park estimates relate to this biome = Major World Biomes Exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide = Intertidal Zone World's largest biome occupying a significant part of the biosphere = Aquatic World Biomes
Match the following factors with their role in organismal distribution:
Water supply, Environmental temperature, Climate = Factors affecting plant and animal distribution Riparian vegetation, Edge effect, Ecotones = Contributors to increase in biodiversity Survival, Development, Reproduction = Affected by climate in different regions Buffer-zone protection, Reduction of erosion, Natural sponge effect = Functions of riparian zones
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Intertidal Zone = The area of a shoreline that is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide Riparian zone = The interface between land and a river or stream Major World Biomes = Classified geographical areas with distinctive plant and animal groups adapted to specific environments Marine Biomes = Biomes found in the oceans, characterized by unique marine life and ecosystems
Match the following characteristics with the correct biome type:
Availability of water supply = Determining factor for Grassland biome Predominant vegetation and adaptations of organisms = Used to classify Biomes into major zones of life Distinctive plant and animal groups adapted to specific environments = Characteristic of Major World Biomes Worldwide sum of all ecosystems = Defines the Biosphere biome
Match the following pairs correctly:
Intertidal Zone = Exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide Aquatic World Biomes = Biomes found in freshwater ponds and rivers Riparian edge effect = The influence of vegetation at the interface between land and water on ecosystem dynamics Marine Biomes = Biomes found in oceans with unique marine life
Match the following biomes with their characteristics:
Tropical rainforest = High rainfall and biodiversity, found near the equator Desert = Low precipitation, high temperatures, and sparse vegetation Tundra = Cold climate, permafrost, low vegetation cover Temperate deciduous forest = Four distinct seasons, broad-leafed trees
Match the following major world biomes with their primary characteristics:
Tundra = Low temperatures, permafrost, low biodiversity Tropical Rainforest = High temperatures, high rainfall, high biodiversity Desert = Low rainfall, extreme temperatures, sparse vegetation Grassland = Moderate rainfall, grassy vegetation, grazing animals
Match the following marine biomes with their descriptions:
Intertidal Zone = Experiences regular exposure to air and water, diverse marine life adapted to harsh conditions Neritic Zone = Shallow zone over continental shelves, high primary productivity, diverse marine species Oceanic Zone = Open ocean beyond continental shelves, low nutrient levels, deep-sea organisms Coral Reef = High biodiversity, shallow clear waters, symbiotic relationships between coral and algae
Match the following aquatic world biomes with their salinity levels:
Freshwater Biome = Low salinity, examples include lakes and rivers Marine Biome = High salinity, examples include oceans and seas Brackish Water Biome = Moderate salinity, examples include estuaries and mangroves Salt Marsh Biome = Varied salinity levels, influenced by tides and freshwater influx
Match the following terms related to the riparian edge effect with their descriptions:
Buffer Zone = Protects ecosystem from environmental damage, transitional area between land and water Edge Effect = Increased biodiversity at boundaries of ecosystems, influences microclimates and species interactions Riparian Vegetation = Plays a role in regulating water run-off to streams from surrounding land, provides habitat for diverse species Ecotone = Area where different ecosystems meet and interact, characterized by unique species compositions
Match the following with their correct description: Intertidal Zone - Rocky coastline
Intertidal Zone = Adapted to harsh conditions of rocky coastline Neritic Zone = Usually warm, clear, shallow waters of tropical and subtropical areas Oceanic Zone = Region of open sea beyond the continental shelf Freshwater Biome = Low salinity aquatic biome
Match the following with their correct description: Aquatic World Biomes - Occupies the largest part of the biosphere
Brackish Biome = Mixture of marine and freshwater with variable salinity Major Biomes in the World = Includes freshwater, marine, and brackish biomes Marine Biomes = Cover about 75% of the earth's surface Freshwater Biome = Low salinity aquatic biome
Match the following with their correct description: Riparian Vegetation - Regulates water run-off to streams
Riparian Vegetation = Plants along water bodies that regulate water flow Intertidal Zone = Exposed to air at low tide or submerged at high tide Marine Biomes - Neritic Zone = Shallow nearshore waters extending from low tide mark Major World Biomes = Includes terrestrial and aquatic biomes
Match the following with their correct description: Major World Biomes - Subdivided based on salinity
Marine Biomes = Divided into marine, freshwater, and brackish based on salinity Neritic Zone = Warm, clear, shallow waters in tropical regions Oceanic Zone = Open sea beyond continental shelf depth Intertidal Zone = Land-sea boundary exposed to air or submerged at high tide
Match the following with their correct description: Marine Biomes - Cover about 75% of Earth's surface
Intertidal Zone = Adapted to harsh conditions of sandy shoreline Neritic Zone = Relatively stable conditions supporting majority of sea life Major World Biomes = Includes various terrestrial and aquatic biomes Marine Biomes - Oceanic Zone = Region of open sea beyond continental shelf
Match the following with their correct description: Intertidal Zone - Plants with xerophytic characteristics
Major World Biomes = Encompasses all types of biomes on Earth Marine Biomes - Intertidal Zone = Land-sea boundary with xerophytic plants Aquatic World Biomes = Largest part of biosphere subdivided based on salinity Freshwater Biome = Biome with low salinity aquatic habitats
Match the following with their correct description: Aquatic World Biomes - Brackish
Marine Biomes - Neritic Zone = Shallow nearshore waters in tropical regions Brackish Biome = Mixture of marine and freshwater, variable salinity Major World Biomes = Classified into different types based on salinity levels Oceanic Zone = Open sea area beyond continental shelf
Match the following with their correct description: Marine Biomes - Neritic Zone
Freshwater Biome = <Describe Freshwater Biome here> Marine Biomes - Neritic Zone = <Describe Marine Neritic here> Major World Biomes = <Describe Major World here> Riparian Vegetation = <Describe Riparian Vegetation here>
Match the following with their description: Intertidal Zone
Exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide = Intertidal Zone Depth range of the Neritic zone = Neritic Zone Very gradual or very sharp transition between two ecosystems = Ecotone Primary role of riparian vegetation in aquatic ecosystems = Regulating water run-off
Match the following with their description: Aquatic World Biomes
Soft bottom to hard bottom in marine communities = Marine Biomes Two main subdivisions based on salinity = Freshwater and Marine Biomes An area of marshland between a river and the riverbank = Riparian zone Mix of vegetation types, home to animals moving between land and water = Ecotone
Match the following with their description: Riparian edge effect
Buffer zone protecting neighboring ecosystem from damage = Ecotone Contains species not found in overlapping communities = Ecotone Primary factor affecting distribution of plants and animals = Temperature, pressure, humidity Ecosystem health determined by flow of energy and nutrient cycling = Observing ecosystem health
Match the following with their description: Major World Biomes
Primary focus is on community interactions = Community interactions Primary characteristic is vegetation and organism adaptations = Character used for classification Affected by temperature, pressure, humidity, cloudiness = Atmospheric conditions Significantly affects agriculture, industries, livelihoods = Climate impact
The Intertidal Zone in Marine Biomes is always submerged at high tide.
False
The Neritic Zone in Marine Biomes is characterized by deep, cold waters.
False
Brackish water has a salinity level that is very variable.
True
Marine biomes cover approximately 50% of the earth's surface.
False
Riparian vegetation is primarily found in the Oceanic Zone of Marine Biomes.
False
Major World Biomes are subdivided based on temperature, not salinity.
False
The Aquatic World Biomes occupy the smallest part of the biosphere.
False
Plants with xerophytic characteristics are commonly found in the Intertidal Zone of Marine Biomes.
True
The riparian edge effect is a positive phenomenon that enhances biodiversity in the neighboring ecosystem.
False
Aquatic world biomes occupy a smaller portion of the biosphere compared to terrestrial biomes.
False
The intertidal zone is characterized by a sandy coastline.
False
Marine biomes cover approximately 50% of Earth's surface.
False
Major world biomes are classified based on animal species present, rather than predominant vegetation.
False
The riparian edge effect occurs primarily in terrestrial ecosystems.
False
Marine biomes are not influenced by salinity levels.
False
Major world biomes are geographically static and do not shift over time.
False
The riparian zone acts as a natural sponge, thereby increasing flooding.
False
Aquatic world biomes occupy the smallest part of the biosphere.
False
The Intertidal Zone is characterized by a rocky coastline.
False
Marine biomes cover approximately 50% of Earth's surface.
False
Major world biomes are primarily determined by the availability of sunlight.
False
The Riparian Edge Effect occurs due to a decrease in biodiversity.
False
The Intertidal Zone is a biome dominated by freshwater ecosystems.
False
The Riparian Zone primarily functions to increase erosion and disrupt water flow.
False
The riparian edge effect is a phenomenon that occurs in terrestrial ecosystems.
False
Brackish water is characterized by a high level of salinity.
False
The Intertidal Zone is primarily known for its sandy coastline.
False
The Oceanic Zone in Marine Biomes is characterized by high nutrient levels near coastal areas.
False
The Major World Biomes are not classified based on salinity levels.
False
The Neritic Zone in Marine Biomes experiences drastic changes in water levels due to tides.
False
Marine Biomes cover approximately 50% of Earth's surface.
False
The Serengeti National Park is a prime example of a Major World Biome.
False
The riparian edge effect is known for reducing flooding in the surrounding area.
True
The Intertidal Zone in Marine Biomes is characterized by organisms adapted to live both underwater and on land.
True
Major World Biomes are classified based on vegetation and the adaptations of organisms.
True
The Oceanic Zone in Marine Biomes is shallower than the Neritic Zone.
False
Aquatic World Biomes occupy a small part of the biosphere.
False
The Intertidal Zone in Marine Biomes receives insufficient light to support plant life.
False
Marine Biomes cover approximately 50% of Earth's surface.
False
Major World Biomes can be subdivided based on temperature range.
False
What are the three major zones that marine biomes are divided into?
Intertidal zone, Neritic zone, Oceanic zone
Which zone of the marine biome is characterized by organisms adapted to live both underwater and on land?
Intertidal zone
What is the primary factor used to subdivide aquatic world biomes?
Salinity
What is the primary role of riparian vegetation in aquatic ecosystems?
To prevent erosion and maintain water quality
Which biome covers about 75% of the Earth's surface?
Marine biomes
What ecological level involves observing the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients to determine ecosystem health?
Ecosystem level
What phenomenon is known for enhancing biodiversity in the neighboring ecosystem?
Riparian edge effect
What is the term used to describe a major zone of life or biogeographic region based on vegetation and organism adaptations?
Biome
What is the primary role of riparian vegetation in regulating the flow of water to streams?
Regulates water run-off to streams
Which marine biome is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide?
Intertidal Zone
What percentage of Earth's surface do marine biomes, on average, cover?
50%
What is the term used to describe the area where two or more different ecosystems or biomes meet and interact?
Ecotone
Which biome type is primarily determined by the availability of water supply?
Desert
Which major world biome is known for its extremely cold temperatures and limited vegetation?
Tundra
What level of ecological study focuses on global patterns such as climatology and species distribution affecting the entire planet?
Biosphere
Which aquatic world biome occupies the largest part of the biosphere?
Aquatic
What is the primary role of riparian vegetation in regulating the run-off of water to the stream from the surrounding land?
Regulates water run-off to streams
Which marine biome is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide?
Intertidal Zone
What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by marine biomes?
Approximately 75%
What term is used to describe an area where two or more different ecosystems or biomes meet and interact?
Ecotone
Which aquatic world biome occupies the largest part of the biosphere?
Marine Biomes
What is the primary characteristic of brackish water in terms of salinity?
Variable
What is the depth range of the Neritic Zone in Marine Biomes?
Shallow
Which major world biomes are classified based on animal species present rather than predominant vegetation?
Major World Biomes
What is the riparian edge effect known for in ecology?
Reducing flooding in the surrounding area
Which biome type occupies the largest part of the biosphere?
Aquatic World Biomes
What characterizes the Intertidal Zone in Marine Biomes?
Exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide
What is the primary focus of Major World Biomes subdivision?
Based on temperature range
Where do marine biomes primarily occur?
Cover about 75% of Earth's surface
What ecological level involves interactions like predation and commensalism?
Community Level
What type of ecotone can act as a buffer-zone to protect neighboring ecosystems?
Riparian Ecotone
What is the edge effect in ecology?
Changes or adaptations at the boundaries of ecosystems
Explain the concept of the riparian edge effect.
The riparian edge effect refers to the increase in biodiversity at the boundary between two ecosystems, leading to a diverse mix of species and habitats.
What are the two main types of biomes in the world according to the text?
- Aquatic biomes, 2. Terrestrial biomes
Describe the characteristics of the Intertidal Zone in marine biomes.
The Intertidal Zone is known for its rocky coastline, not sandy, and is characterized by exposure to both air and water due to tides.
What percentage of Earth's surface do marine biomes cover?
Approximately 75% of Earth's surface
How are major world biomes classified?
Major world biomes are classified based on vegetation and the adaptations of organisms present.
What is the role of riparian vegetation in the ecosystem?
Riparian vegetation regulates water run-off to streams, reduces erosion, and acts as a natural sponge to prevent flooding.
Explain the difference between the Oceanic Zone and the Neritic Zone in marine biomes.
The Oceanic Zone is characterized by high nutrient levels near coastal areas, while the Neritic Zone receives sufficient light to support microscopic plants and animals.
How does the edge effect contribute to biodiversity at the ecotone?
The edge effect creates a diverse mix of species and habitats at the boundary between ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity.
Study Notes
Ecology
- The study of how organisms interact with:
- Other organisms (intra- and interspecific, biotic interactions)
- Their physical environment (abiotic interactions)
- Soil, light, temperature, rainfall, pH, water, and topography
Ecological Levels of Study
- Organism:
- Adaptations and advantageous traits that have evolved by natural selection
- Allow organisms to thrive in specific habitats
- Morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations
- Population:
- A group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area at the same time
- Unit of natural selection and evolution
- Characteristics studied include size, density, structure, and temporal changes
- Community:
- Includes all populations of different species that live in a common area
- Focus on interactions between populations and how they influence the community
- Interspecific interactions may occur, such as competition, predation, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism
- Ecosystem:
- Inclusive of all organisms in an area and biotic and abiotic interactions
- Ecosystem ecologists determine the health of ecosystems by observing:
- Flow of energy
- Cycling of nutrients
- Biome:
- A major zone of life or biogeographic region
- Classified according to predominant vegetation and adaptations of organisms
- A large geographical area of distinctive plant and animal groups adapted to a particular environment
- Biosphere:
- The worldwide sum of all ecosystems
- Also known as the ecosphere or zone of life on Earth
- Ecologists working at the biosphere level may study global patterns, including:
- Climatology
- Species numbers and distribution patterns
- Phenomena that affect the entire globe, such as climate change
Ecotones and Riparian Zones
- Ecotone:
- A transition or boundary between two ecosystems
- Can be a gradual or sharp transition
- May act as a "buffer-zone" protecting the neighboring ecosystem from environmental damage
- Increase in biodiversity associated with ecotones leads to an edge effect
- Riparian Zone:
- A type of ecotone that borders bodies of water and land
- Riparian vegetation contributes shade, food, and shelter for aquatic organisms
- Home to many animals that move between land and water
- Reduces erosion and regulates the run-off of water to the stream
Climate and Biomes
-
Climate as a major determinant of organismal distribution
-
Three main factors affect the distribution of plants and animals:
- Water supply
- Environmental temperature
- Climate
-
Major biomes:
- Aquatic (marine, freshwater, and brackish)
- Terrestrial (desert, tropical rainforest, tundra, taiga, savannah, temperate deciduous forest, and grassland)### Ecology: Study of Organism Interactions
-
Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with other organisms and their physical environment.
-
Ecology is studied at many levels: organism, population, community, ecosystem, biome, and biosphere.
Ecological Levels of Study
Organism
- Organismal ecologists study adaptations and advantageous traits that have evolved by natural selection.
- Adaptations allow organisms to thrive in specific habitats and can be morphological, physiological, or behavioral.
Population
- A population is a group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area at the same time.
- Population ecologists study population characteristics, including size, density, structure, and temporal changes.
Community
- A community includes all populations (of different species) that live in a common area.
- Community ecologists focus on interactions between populations and how these interactions influence the community.
Ecosystem
- An ecosystem is inclusive of all the organisms in an area, including biotic and abiotic interactions that influence that community.
- Ecosystem ecologists determine the health of ecosystems by observing energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Biome
- A biome is a major zone of life or biogeographic region, classified according to predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms.
- Examples of biomes include desert, tropical rainforest, tundra, taiga (boreal forest), savannah, temperate deciduous forest, grassland, and aquatic biomes.
Biosphere
- The biosphere, also known as the ecosphere, is the worldwide sum of all ecosystems.
- Ecologists working at the biosphere level study global patterns, including climatology, species numbers and distribution patterns, and phenomena that affect the entire globe.
Marine Biomes
- Marine biomes cover about 75% of the earth's surface and are divided into three major zones: intertidal, neritic, and oceanic.
- The intertidal zone is the land-sea boundary, where organisms are adapted to harsh conditions.
- The neritic zone is characterized by warm, clear, shallow waters of tropical and subtropical areas, with coral reefs providing food and shelter for numerous organisms.
Ecotone
- An ecotone is a transition or boundary between two ecosystems.
- Ecotones can be gradual or sharp and can contain species not found in either overlapping community.
- Ecotones may act as a "buffer-zone" protecting neighboring ecosystems from environmental damage.
Riparian Zone
- A riparian zone is a type of ecotone bordering bodies of water and land.
- Riparian vegetation contributes shade, food, and shelter for aquatic organisms and reduces erosion and regulates water run-off.
Test your knowledge on ecotones and riparian zones, transitional areas that play important roles in ecosystems. Learn about how ecotones act as buffer-zones and the benefits of riparian zones along bodies of water and land.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
