30 Questions
What is a biological community?
A group of organisms that interact with each other in a specific area
What is the primary benefit of the relationship between reef-building corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellates?
Both partners receive equal benefits from the relationship
What is the result of predation on prey species?
Prey species evolve diverse adaptations to avoid predation
What is an example of a mechanical defense in prey species?
Spikes
What is the term for the relationship between two species in which both partners benefit?
Mutualism
What is the sequence of food transfer up the trophic levels known as?
Food chain
What is the role of producers in a food web?
They provide chemical energy and nutrients to all other members of the food web
What is the term for the waste products produced by coral animals that are used by photosynthetic dinoflagellates?
Carbon dioxide and ammonia
Which type of consumer is responsible for consuming primary consumers?
Secondary consumers
What is the term for the pattern of feeding relationships consisting of several different levels in a community?
Trophic structure
What is species diversity defined by?
Relative abundance and species richness
Which type of organism breaks down organic matter in an ecosystem?
Decomposers
What is the purpose of secondary metabolites in plants?
To defend against herbivores and pathogens
What is the result of coevolution between herbivores and plants?
The herbivore adapts to the plant's defense
What is the effect of non-native pathogens on community composition?
They can have rapid and dramatic impacts
What is the name of the compound found in bitter almonds and peaches?
Cyanide
What is the term for the process of one species mimicking another?
Mimicry
What is the current impact of a fungus-like pathogen on the West Coast?
Sudden oak death
What is the energy value of the plant material eaten by the caterpillar?
100 kcal
What is the percentage of energy from the previous trophic level that is available to the next trophic level, according to the 10% rule?
10%
Which process converts nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere into a form that can be used by plants?
Nitrogen fixation
What is a keystone species defined as?
A species whose impact on its community is larger than its biomass or abundance indicates
What is the term for the decomposition of organic matter, resulting in the release of nutrients?
Decomposition
What is the term for the excessive growth of algae and other organisms in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in the depletion of oxygen?
Eutrophication
What is the process called when a disturbed area is colonized by a variety of species, which are gradually replaced by a succession of other species?
Ecological succession
What is a characteristic of primary succession?
It begins in a virtually lifeless area with no soil
Which organisms are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter in soil?
Decomposers
What is an example of a disturbance that can affect a biological community?
A drought
What is the main role of a keystone species in its community?
To maintain the diversity of the community
What is the term used to describe the impact of a species on its community?
Niche
Study Notes
Plant Defenses Against Herbivores
- Plants have evolved defense mechanisms against herbivores, including spines, thorns, and chemical toxins.
- These chemical toxins, known as secondary metabolites, can be used medicinally or for other purposes.
- Examples of toxic plants include Solanaceae (e.g., tomatoes and potatoes), which contain alkaloids like solanine.
Coevolution Between Herbivores and Plants
- Herbivores and plants undergo coevolution, where changes in one species act as a selective force on the other species.
- This leads to adaptations in both species, affecting the selection of individuals in the first species.
Parasites and Pathogens
- Non-native pathogens can have rapid and dramatic impacts on communities.
- Examples include the chestnut blight and sudden oak death.
Community Structure and Dynamics
- A community includes all organisms inhabiting a particular area, with potential interactions.
- Community structure refers to the composition of species and their populations in a community.
- Community dynamics refers to the interactions among species and their environments.
Mutualism
- Mutualism benefits both partners, such as in the relationship between reef-building corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellates.
- Photosynthetic dinoflagellates gain shelter and access to light, while corals use the sugars produced by photosynthesis.
Predation and Adaptations
- Predation leads to diverse adaptations in prey species, including camouflage, mechanical defenses, and chemical defenses.
- Prey adapt to protect themselves from predators.
Trophic Structure and Food Webs
- Trophic structure refers to the pattern of feeding relationships in a community.
- Food chains and food webs show the sequence of energy transfer from producers to consumers.
- Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients.
Species Diversity
- Species diversity includes relative abundance and species richness.
- The 10% rule states that only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
Biogeochemical Cycles
- Biogeochemical cycles involve the movement of elements through ecosystems.
- Examples include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.
Interspecific Interactions
- Interspecific interactions can significantly impact species diversity in a community.
- Keystone species have a disproportionate impact on diversity, occupying a niche that holds the rest of the community in place.
Disturbances and Ecological Succession
- Disturbances, such as storms, fires, and floods, can damage biological communities.
- Ecological succession is the process of colonization and replacement of species in a disturbed area.
Understand the flow of energy in ecosystems, from producers to tertiary consumers, and learn about the 10% rule. This quiz covers the energy transfer between different trophic levels, including cellular respiration and biogeochemical cycles.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
