Science Review: Ecosystems and Earth Spheres
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which statement is true about ecological pyramids of numbers?

  • They are identical to pyramids of biomass.
  • They show the number of individuals at each trophic level. (correct)
  • They only consider energy transfer.
  • They always take the shape of a pyramid.

    • In the carbon cycle, most exchanges of carbon occur between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and soil.

    False

    What human activities impact the carbon cycle?

    Combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation.

    Micro-organisms called ______ bacteria fix nitrogen.

    <p>nitrogen-fixing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of ecological succession with their descriptions:

    <p>Primary Succession = Occurs on soil to bare rock, with no prior life Secondary Succession = Disturbance has occurred but some elements of life remain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level in an ecological pyramid typically has the most biomass?

    <p>Primary producers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Equilibrium in biomes is caused by rapid changes over short periods.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are carbon sinks?

    <p>Locations that store carbon-rich deposits, such as fossil fuels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of clogged waterways due to invasive plants?

    <p>Boating becomes impossible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of species is the first to colonize after a disturbance?

    <p>Pioneer Species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chemical control methods for invasive species have no environmental risks.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Species richness generally decreases as you move towards the equator.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two methods of controlling invasive species mentioned?

    <p>Chemical control and mechanical control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One primary source of heavy metals entering ecosystems is through _______.

    <p>industrial smoke stacks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one reason why invasive species can become successful in a new environment.

    <p>They lack natural predators or diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of control methods with their descriptions:

    <p>Chemical Control = Use of pesticides to reduce pests Mechanical Control = Physical removal or barriers Biological Control = Introducing other organisms to control invasives Fragmentation = Dividing habitats into smaller parcels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary negative impact of invasive species on ecosystems is competition with __________ species.

    <p>native</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of ecological changes with their descriptions:

    <p>Climax Community = Large shade trees and old growth forests Intermediate Species = Young trees and pine forests Pioneer Species = Grasses and perennial plants Invasive Species = Non-native species that disrupt ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a challenge associated with biological control of invasive species?

    <p>It can lead to the introduction of additional invasive pests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major ecological effect of invasive species?

    <p>Disruption of nutrient cycles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Habitat loss is considered less serious than climate change for ecosystems' sustainability.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Over 3000 invasive species have been recorded in Canada.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the major harmful effects of habitat loss?

    <p>Loss of biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated global cost of damage caused by invasive species?

    <p>$1.4 trillion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of applying supply and demand to natural resources?

    <p>Increased risk of species extinction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Managed hunts help increase species populations that lack natural predators.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered our most precious renewable resource?

    <p>Water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Forestry companies use pesticides and fire reduction practices to prevent ______ damage.

    <p>environmental</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following ecological terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Managed Hunts = Control wildlife populations Engineered Ecosystems = Human-altered environments Nutrient Cycles = Natural processes of nutrient movement Biodiversity = Variety of life in an ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT considered when assessing the impact of hunting on wildlife populations?

    <p>State of the ecosystem's abiotic elements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern agriculture primarily relies on hunting and gathering for food production.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do engineered ecosystems require to live sustainably?

    <p>Preservation of abiotic and biotic conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes describes the accumulation of mercury in algae over time?

    <p>Bioaccumulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biomagnification results in an increased concentration of heavy metals as it moves up the food chain.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of mercury released into aquatic ecosystems?

    <p>Coal-fired power plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The method of forestry that removes all trees in a designated area is called __________.

    <p>clear cutting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following forestry practices with their descriptions:

    <p>Clear Cutting = Removes all or most trees in an area Shelterwood Cutting = Harvesting mature trees in a series of cuts Selective Cutting = Taking specific trees at different times Natural Forests = Sustain without management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the negative impacts of clear cutting on the ecosystem?

    <p>Soil erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Selective cutting is the most economical method of forestry.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ecological significance of algae in aquatic ecosystems?

    <p>They are the basis of many aquatic food chains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one method used in organic farming to control pests?

    <p>Biological control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Crop rotation helps in building up nutrient concentrations in the soil.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two factors that have contributed to increased pollution?

    <p>Increased human population size and use of toxic chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are examples of ______ materials.

    <p>polluting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following pollution sources with their examples:

    <p>Pesticides = Chemical toxins used on crops Automobile exhaust = Air pollution from vehicles Plastic packaging = Waste that often pollutes oceans Acid precipitation = Rain that is harmful due to acidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is acid precipitation?

    <p>Water vapor combined with sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plastics in the ocean fully decompose over time.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List one way people can help reduce ocean pollution.

    <p>Participate in community clean-up projects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Science Review

    • Organism: a living thing
    • Environment: an organism's surroundings
    • Population: a group of the same species living together in the same habitat at the same time
    • Habitat: the place where an organism lives
    • Community: different populations living in the same habitat at the same time
    • Sustainable: an ecosystem that maintains relatively consistent characteristics over time
    • Radiant Energy: energy that travels through empty space
    • Light Energy: visible forms of radiant energy
    • Thermal Energy: energy transferred during heating or cooling
    • Biogeochemical Cycle: the movement of matter through biotic and abiotic environments
    • Equilibrium: the balance of living and non-living things that keep the ecosystem in homeostasis

    The Spheres of the Earth

    • Lithosphere: Earth's solid outer layer (land)
    • Hydrosphere: all the water on, above, and below Earth's surface (oceans, lakes, ice, groundwater, and clouds)
    • Atmosphere: the layer of gases surrounding Earth
    • Biosphere: all living organisms on Earth

    The Atmosphere

    • Mostly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%)
    • Remaining 1% includes argon, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases
    • Critical for life by moderating surface temperatures
    • Blocks some incoming solar radiation

    The Lithosphere

    • Earth's rocky outer shell
    • Consists of rocks and minerals
    • Thickness ranges from 50 to 150 km

    The Hydrosphere

    • Contains all water on, above, and below Earth's surface (oceans, lakes, ice, groundwater, and clouds)

    The Biosphere

    • Zone around Earth supporting life

    Ecosystems

    • Contain both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors
    • Interacting components forming a self-sustaining system

    Abiotic Factors

    • Non-living components of the environment (terrain, sunlight, temperature, minerals, wind)

    Biotic Factors

    • All living components of an ecosystem (organisms, remains, products, wastes)

    Sustainability

    • Ecosystems striving to maintain a stable state over a prolonged period
    • Difficult for human-made or engineered ecosystems

    Sun

    • The source of all energy for life on Earth
    • Provides UV and light energy
    • 70% is absorbed by the lithosphere and hydrosphere, converting to heat
    • 30% is reflected in space

    Thermal Energy

    • Keeps Earth warm but not directly usable for organism growth

    Photosynthesis

    • Plants convert light energy into chemical energy
    • Plants and algae are the main producers in most ecosystems

    Cellular Respiration

    • Plants use energy stored in sugars during cellular respiration to release usable energy from sugar using oxygen, producing water and carbon dioxide

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Ecology Review PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on key concepts related to ecosystems and the Earth's spheres in this comprehensive science review quiz. Covering definitions from organisms to biogeochemical cycles, this quiz challenges your understanding of how living and non-living components interact within environments.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser