Questions and Answers
Living organisms in our world are connected to other ____________ in a variety of ways.
organisms
The branch of biology called ___________ is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environments.
ecology
The branch of biology called ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their _____________.
environments
Environments include relationships between living and _______________ things.
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All living things on Earth can be found in the _____________, the portion of Earth that supports life.
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The biosphere extends from high in the ________________ to the bottom of the oceans.
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All living organisms found in an environment are called ________________ _______________.
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Non-living parts of an environment are called ______________ _____________.
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Whales, trees and ______________ are biotic factors.
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Ocean currents, temperature and ____________ are abiotic factors.
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What is a population?
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Define a community.
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What is an ecosystem?
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What is competition in ecology?
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What type of ecosystem is a forest?
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What is a niche?
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Define habitat.
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Food and shelter are important aspects of an organism's __________.
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The centipedes and worms that live under a certain log occupy the same _________________ but have different _______________.
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What is symbiosis?
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Define commensalism.
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What is parasitism?
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What is mutualism?
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Study Notes
Principles of Ecology
- Organisms interact with one another in complex ways, forming various ecological relationships.
- Ecology is a branch of biology focusing on interactions between organisms and their environments.
- Environments consist of both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that influence ecosystem dynamics.
- The biosphere encompasses all life-supporting zones on Earth, extending from the atmosphere to the ocean depths.
Key Biological Components
- Biotic factors refer to all living things within an environment, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Abiotic factors include the non-living elements of an ecosystem, such as water, soil, temperature, and atmospheric conditions.
- Examples of biotic factors include whales, trees, and humans.
- Key abiotic factors include ocean currents, temperature, and soil composition.
Levels of Organization
- A population is defined as a group of organisms from a single species that can interbreed and coexist in a designated area.
- A community is formed by multiple populations interacting within a shared environment.
- An ecosystem combines various populations and their interactions with abiotic factors, forming a self-sustaining system.
Ecological Interactions
- Competition occurs when organisms vie for limited resources, driving natural selection and influencing species distribution.
- Forests exemplify a terrestrial ecosystem, showcasing diverse plant and animal interactions.
- A niche describes the specific role or function a species fulfills in its community, which can include its habitat and interactions.
Habitat and Niches
- A habitat is the specific area an organism occupies, which can change over time due to various ecological factors.
- Food and shelter are crucial elements of an organism's niche, affecting survival and reproductive success.
- Different species can share the same habitat but occupy different niches to minimize competition.
Symbiosis and Relationships
- Symbiosis encompasses various relationships where different species coexist closely, influencing each other's survival.
- Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other remains unaffected.
- Parasitism involves one species benefiting at the expense of another, often harming the latter.
- Mutualism is a beneficial relationship for both species involved, enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.
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Description
This study guide focuses on the key concepts and vocabulary related to Chapter 2 of Principles of Ecology. Using flashcards, learners will explore important terms such as organisms, ecology, and environments, enhancing their understanding of ecological interactions.
