B1 - Individuals, Populations, and Communities in Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What is a species?

A group of organisms that are genetically identical

A group of organisms that can only survive together

A group of organisms that cannot breed with each other

A group of organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring (correct)

How does biodiversity typically compare between natural and artificial ecosystems?

Biodiversity is the same in both natural and artificial ecosystems

Artificial ecosystems often have more biodiversity than natural ecosystems

Natural ecosystems tend to have greater biodiversity than artificial ecosystems (correct)

Natural ecosystems usually have less biodiversity than artificial ecosystems

What factors affect the growth of populations within an ecosystem?

Food, habitat, and mate availability (correct)

Only food availability

Habitat and climate only

Environmental pollution

Which of the following statements about ecosystems is false?

Exotic species always improve the health of ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about genetic variation in large populations?

Genetic variation is common among individuals in large populations Signup and view all the answers

What is a population in ecological terms?

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at the same time Signup and view all the answers

What does morphology refer to in the context of individual organisms?

The physical characteristics of an organism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?

A community of organisms interacting with each other and their environment Signup and view all the answers

What do population ecologists study?

Changes in size and distribution of populations over time Signup and view all the answers

How do abiotic factors influence individual organisms?

They can impact behavior and physical adaptations Signup and view all the answers

What can impact populations according to the content?

Competition for resources and changes in the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a community in ecological terms?

Many populations of different species interacting with one another Signup and view all the answers

What factors do ecologists consider when studying communities?

Interactions between populations of different species Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes an ecosystem?

All biotic and abiotic factors of an environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the biosphere considered to be?

The largest ecosystem that includes all parts of Earth that can support life Signup and view all the answers

What likely contributed to the decline of collared pika populations between 1990-2000?

Rising global temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Individuals, Populations, and Communities in Ecosystems

Species: A group of organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring (e.g., humans, grizzly bears; mules, ligers are not examples)
Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at the same time. Population ecologists study how populations change in size and distribution over time. Factors affecting populations include: competition for resources and environmental changes.
Community: Populations of different species interacting in a specific area. Ecologists study interactions between species and how those affect populations. Community interactions include predator-prey relationships and competition. Abiotic factors like sunlight and moisture also affect community structure.
Ecosystem: All biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in a given environment. The biosphere is the largest ecosystem, encompassing all parts of Earth suitable for life, including abiotic components. Populations are not randomly distributed throughout the biosphere; distribution is influenced by environmental factors.
Environment: Everything affecting an organism, and everything that the organism affects. The environment includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. Components within the environment are important for understanding the distribution of organisms and how species interact.
Ecology: The study of ecosystems, communities, populations, and how biotic and abiotic factors influence them.
Morphology: Physical characteristics of an organism affected by environmental conditions.
Adaptation: An adaptation is a physical or behavioral feature that enhances an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

Pre-Assessment

Ecosystems with higher biodiversity are not necessarily more fragile.
Natural ecosystems generally have higher biodiversity than artificial ones.
Introducing exotic species can either increase or decrease biodiversity and may negatively impact existing organisms.
An organism's traits are determined by both its genes and the environment.
Most populations with significant numbers of organisms display variation in their genetic make up.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of ecosystems, including species, populations, communities, and the interactions that shape ecological dynamics. Understand how biotic and abiotic factors impact these relationships. Perfect for learners interested in ecology and environmental science.