Podcast
Questions and Answers
Pesticide use is the most common control method for introduced species.
Pesticide use is the most common control method for introduced species.
True
Freshwater ecosystems contain more than 3% salt.
Freshwater ecosystems contain more than 3% salt.
False
Wetlands, such as bogs and marshes, are nutrient-rich areas.
Wetlands, such as bogs and marshes, are nutrient-rich areas.
True
Ecotourism is an example of a cultural service provided by ecosystems.
Ecotourism is an example of a cultural service provided by ecosystems.
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Forestry is the smallest industry in Ontario.
Forestry is the smallest industry in Ontario.
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Abiotic factors, such as temperature and light, do not influence species survival.
Abiotic factors, such as temperature and light, do not influence species survival.
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A watershed is an area of land where all water drains into a single river or lake.
A watershed is an area of land where all water drains into a single river or lake.
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Mechanical control methods include the use of pesticides to manage invasive species.
Mechanical control methods include the use of pesticides to manage invasive species.
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Top consumers are less vulnerable to the effects of toxins in the food chain.
Top consumers are less vulnerable to the effects of toxins in the food chain.
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Organic farming uses synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Organic farming uses synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
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Soils are critical to our survival but are poorly understood.
Soils are critical to our survival but are poorly understood.
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Primary succession occurs in environments where some life still exists.
Primary succession occurs in environments where some life still exists.
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Biodiversity is often measured by counting the number of species in an area.
Biodiversity is often measured by counting the number of species in an area.
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Synthetic fertilizers help maintain naturally occurring nutrients in the soil.
Synthetic fertilizers help maintain naturally occurring nutrients in the soil.
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Secondary succession occurs when no life exists after a disturbance.
Secondary succession occurs when no life exists after a disturbance.
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Pests only exist due to their inconvenience to humans.
Pests only exist due to their inconvenience to humans.
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Non-native species often thrive due to a lack of natural population controls.
Non-native species often thrive due to a lack of natural population controls.
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Herbicides are used to kill insects.
Herbicides are used to kill insects.
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Broad-spectrum pesticides are toxic to a wide range of species.
Broad-spectrum pesticides are toxic to a wide range of species.
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Biodiversity tends to be higher at the poles than at the equator.
Biodiversity tends to be higher at the poles than at the equator.
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Invasive species always have a beneficial effect on ecosystems.
Invasive species always have a beneficial effect on ecosystems.
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Bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of pesticides in individual organisms.
Bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of pesticides in individual organisms.
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Soil compaction makes it easier for roots to access oxygen.
Soil compaction makes it easier for roots to access oxygen.
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Proper drainage can be managed by installing drainage tiles.
Proper drainage can be managed by installing drainage tiles.
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Study Notes
Managing the Soil
- Soil is a complex ecosystem crucial for survival
- Fertilizers (natural or synthetic) add nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil
- Organic fertilizers are better for the environment if used correctly
- Synthetic fertilizers can harm soil organisms and contaminate ground water, leading to algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems
- Proper drainage is crucial for healthy soil and plant growth
Pests and Poisons
- Pests are organisms that damage crops (weeds, insects, rodents)
- Monocultures (planting a single type of crop) create ideal conditions for pests
- Pesticides are poisons that kill pests
- Herbicides kill plants
- Broad-spectrum pesticides harm many species, while narrow-spectrum pesticides target specific pests
- Pesticides can harm non-target species and contribute to soil, air, and water pollution
- Pests can develop resistance to pesticides
Bioamplification
- Pesticides accumulate in organisms as they consume contaminated food
- Bioaccumulation occurs when pesticides build up in an organism's body
- Biomagnification happens when toxins concentrate in higher trophic levels of the food chain
- Top consumers are at highest risk from biomagnification
Equilibrium and Change
- Most natural ecosystems are in a state of equilibrium (relatively constant conditions over time)
- When ecosystems are disturbed (e.g., by pollution, fire), they go through a process called succession
- Succession involves a series of changes in the ecosystem until it reaches equilibrium again
- Primary succession occurs on bare rock or soil where no life previously existed
- Secondary succession occurs where some life already existed
Food Webs
- Food webs are more complex than food chains, depicting multiple feeding relationships
- Food webs have more biodiversity than food chains
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area; species richness is often used to measure this
- Species richness is usually higher closer to the equator
- Many species are at risk due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change
Non-Native Species
- Non-native species can be introduced to an ecosystem
- Some may become invasive, disrupting the ecosystem
- Chemical, mechanical, and biological controls can manage introductions of non-native species
Aquatic Ecosystems
- There are two types of aquatic ecosystems: freshwater and marine ecosystems
- Freshwater ecosystems are bodies of water with less than 1% salt content (rivers, lakes)
- Marine ecosystems are bodies of water with a high salt content (oceans)
- Watersheds are areas of land that drain water into a single river or lake
On the Next Test: Ecosystem Services
- Natural ecosystems provide valuable services to us
- Ecosystem services include cultural services like recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and spiritual connections with nature
- Ecosystem products include plants, animals, and seafood
- Ecosystem services also protect from threats like wind and water erosion
Influences on Ecosystems
- Abiotic factors (temperature, sunlight, soil) and biotic factors (competition, disease, predators) influence ecosystem characteristics
- Limiting factors restrict population size
Energy Flow
- Radiant energy from the sun powers almost all life on Earth
- Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy for producers
- Organisms at higher trophic levels obtain energy by consuming producers and other consumers
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Description
This quiz explores the importance of soil as an ecosystem and the effects of fertilizers and pesticides on it. Understand the balance of organic and synthetic fertilizers, the consequences of pesticide use, and how pests affect agriculture. Test your knowledge on best practices for managing soil health and pest control.
