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Questions and Answers
What term describes organisms that feed on living plants?
What characterizes prokaryotic organisms?
In the context of ecological function, which of the following are mutualists?
What is the primary function of a soil food web?
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Which domains do prokaryotic organisms belong to?
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What is the estimated number of aerobic bacteria found in a handful of soil?
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Which of the following classifications is NOT used for soil organisms?
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What term describes organisms that obtain their carbon mainly from CO2?
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What size range does microfauna and microflora fall into?
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Which of the following is classified as mesofauna?
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What is one primary characteristic of photoautotrophs?
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Which type of soil organism falls under the category of macrofauna?
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Which of the following pairs correctly matches a soil organism classification with its respective size range?
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Study Notes
Soil Microbiology
- The study of soil microorganisms and their activities in soil
- Related to agriculture
- Focuses on how organisms impact soil
Soil Organisms
- Organisms that spend a portion or all of their lives in soil
Classification of Soil Organisms
- Can be categorized by size, metabolism, ecological function, position in the food web, and phylogeny
Size-based Classification
- Megafauna - size range of 20 mm or larger, such as moles, rabbits, and rodents
- Macrofauna - size range of 2 to 20 mm, such as woodlice, earthworms, beetles, centipedes, slugs, snails, ants, and harvestmen
- Mesofauna - size range of 100 micrometers to 2 mm, such as tardigrades, mites, and springtails
- Microfauna and Microflora - size range of 1 to 100 micrometers, such as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and protozoa
Metabolism-based Classification
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Autotrophs
- Primary producers, meaning “self-feeding”
- Obtain carbon mainly from CO2
- Photoautotrophs - obtain energy from sunlight (photosynthesis)
- Chemoautotrophs - obtain energy from oxidation of elements
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Heterotrophs
- Obtain energy from other organisms to survive
- Feed on other organisms or remains
Ecological Function-based Classification
- Herbivores - subsist on living plants
- Detritivores - subsist on dead plant debris
- Predators - consume animals
- Parasites - live off but do not consume other organisms
- Mutualists - live in a symbiotic relationship
Food Web Hierarchy-based Classification
- Soil food web - describes energy transfer between soil organisms
- Organisms are categorized based on their trophic level
Phylogeny-based Classification
- Based on evolutionary relationships
- Three-domain system - a classification above the kingdoms
- Eukarya - contains eukaryotic organisms (with a nucleus)
- Bacteria - contains prokaryotic organisms (without a nucleus)
- Archaea - contains prokaryotic organisms (without a nucleus)
- Phylogeny is reflected in the organism's ribosomal DNA (rDNA)
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of soil microbiology, focusing on the various organisms that inhabit soil and their ecological significance. This quiz covers classifications based on size, metabolism, and their roles in agriculture. Test your knowledge of how these microorganisms impact soil health and ecosystem dynamics.
