Questions and Answers
Who coined the term 'oekologie'?
Ernst Haeckel
The term ecology is derived from the Greek word 'oikos', which means _____
household
Which of these problems are considered ecological issues? (Select all that apply)
What are the principles of ecology? (Select all that apply)
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What is the study of interrelationships between organisms and their environment called?
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The structural and functional unit of ecology is called _____
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What are 'heliophytes'?
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Study Notes
Overview of Ecology
- Coined by German zoologist Ernst Haeckel, the term "oekologie" refers to the relationship between organisms and their environments.
- Derived from the Greek word “oikos,” meaning "household" or "home."
- Ecology examines the interactions among organisms and between organisms and their abiotic surroundings.
- Pressing human issues such as overpopulation, food scarcity, environmental pollution, and species extinction heavily involve ecological principles.
Principles of Ecology
- Ecology and the Abiotic Environment: Studies how non-living components influence living organisms.
- Ecological Interactions among Species: Focuses on biotic relationships and interactions between different species.
- Ecology of Individual Organisms: Analyzes how individual species adapt to their environments.
- Ecology of Populations: Explores the dynamics of species populations within their habitats.
- Ecology of Communities: Investigates interactions within a community of different species.
- Ecology of Ecosystems: Looks at the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic components in a defined area.
- Biomes: Large ecological areas characterized by distinct plant and animal groups.
- Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems, representing the zone of life on Earth.
Earth’s Ecosystems
- Defined as systems including all living (biotic) entities and their non-living (abiotic) surroundings, working together as a unified whole.
- The foundation of ecology, focusing on complex interactions between living organisms and their environment.
Abiotic Factors Influencing Ecosystems
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Climatic Factors:
- Light: Essential energy source for organisms; the sun provides heat energy via solar radiation which influences physiological functions such as reproduction, metabolism, and development.
- Temperature: Crucial for various biological processes including reproduction, metabolism, and growth; affects the overall biodiversity in ecosystems.
Key Relationships
- Heliophytes are plants that thrive in sunlight and are examples of organisms specifically adapted to their abiotic environment.
- The interconnectedness of abiotic and biotic factors is vital for sustaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental principles of ecology, including the relationships between organisms and their abiotic environments. It covers topics such as ecological interactions, population dynamics, and individual adaptations. Test your understanding of these crucial ecological concepts and their relevance to pressing human issues.
