Types of Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What defines a natural ecosystem?

  • An ecosystem that is artificially created by humans.
  • An ecosystem found in nature where organisms interact freely without major human interference. (correct)
  • An ecosystem that requires constant human intervention to thrive.
  • An ecosystem that consists only of terrestrial components.

Which of the following is NOT a type of terrestrial ecosystem?

  • Tundra
  • Coral reef (correct)
  • Desert
  • Rainforest

What is a distinguishing factor of terrestrial ecosystems compared to aquatic ecosystems?

  • Higher biodiversity
  • Lower availability of water (correct)
  • More available nutrients
  • Presence of coral reefs

Which of the following is classified as an aquatic ecosystem?

<p>Estuaries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of natural ecosystem includes lakes and rivers?

<p>Lotic ecosystems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a man-made ecosystem?

<p>Requires human intervention for its establishment and maintenance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options correctly categorizes all forms of aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Lakes, rivers, and the sea floor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of a self-sufficient natural ecosystem?

<p>Independence from major human influence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Terrestrial ecosystems have lower water availability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a major type of terrestrial ecosystem?

<p>Coral Reef (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do terrestrial ecosystems experience greater temperature fluctuations than aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Water has a high specific heat compared to the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of forest ecosystems contributes to their greater stability?

<p>Complex interactions among abiotic and biotic components. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the greater availability of light in terrestrial ecosystems compared to aquatic ecosystems?

<p>The greater transparency of the atmosphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about forest ecosystems is accurate?

<p>They exhibit greater species diversity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do terrestrial ecosystems typically compare in terms of gas availability to aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Terrestrial ecosystems have more available gases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is a common characteristic of all terrestrial ecosystems?

<p>Occurrence on landmasses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reproduction do most plants in the tundra predominantly use due to the lack of pollinating insects?

<p>Asexual reproduction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of man-made ecosystems in contrast to natural ecosystems?

<p>They are created by human interventions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a man-made ecosystem?

<p>Tundra (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of ecosystems are characterized by having negligible nutrient cycling and lack of diversity?

<p>Man-made ecosystems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of creating man-made ecosystems like zoos and aquariums?

<p>Tourism and education (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between agriculture and man-made ecosystems?

<p>Agriculture acted as the first man-made ecosystem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about tundra plants is true?

<p>They often appear as low carpet cover. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is typical of man-made ecosystems that distinguish them from natural ones?

<p>Deliberate design for specific functions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's land surface do forest ecosystems currently occupy?

<p>30% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of tropical rainforests?

<p>Nutrient-rich soil (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average humidity level in tropical rainforests during the wet season?

<p>88% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much rainfall do Southeast Asia tropical rainforests receive annually?

<p>100 to 300 centimeters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the high levels of biodiversity found in tropical rainforests?

<p>High annual rainfall (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the seasons in tropical rainforests?

<p>The timing and duration of wet and dry seasons can vary. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do tropical rainforests typically have nutrient-poor soil?

<p>Rapid decomposition of organic material is lost to uptake. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are tropical rainforests primarily located?

<p>Near the equator (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common characteristic is shared by all deserts?

<p>They are arid and receive no more than 25 centimeters of precipitation a year. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes tundra ecosystems?

<p>They experience a cold climate with scant rainfall and are covered in snow for much of the year. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation do plants in the tundra exhibit to survive harsh conditions?

<p>They clump together to provide mutual warmth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of landscapes can be found in a desert?

<p>Mountainous areas, dry rock expanses, and salt flats. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrients are noted as major in tundra ecosystems?

<p>Nitrogen and phosphorus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's deserts is covered by sand dunes?

<p>10 percent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about vegetation in tundra ecosystems is true?

<p>Vegetation is characterized by low heights and clump together. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly limits the growth and reproduction in tundra regions?

<p>Extremely low temperatures and short growing seasons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the shedding of leaves in Tropical and Subtropical Deciduous Forests?

<p>To conserve water during dry periods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between Tropical and Subtropical Deciduous Forests and Temperate Deciduous Forests in terms of leaf shedding?

<p>Tropical and Subtropical forests shed leaves during periods of drought, while Temperate forests shed them during winter. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tree genera are prominent in Temperate Deciduous Forests in the Southern Hemisphere?

<p>Nothofagus, Eucalyptus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these characteristics is NOT a defining feature of Temperate Deciduous Forests?

<p>Receive high amounts of rainfall (over 2000 mm per year) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the deciduous habit (leaf shedding) in Temperate Deciduous Forests?

<p>To prepare for the winter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range of annual rainfall received by Temperate Deciduous Forests?

<p>750-1500 mm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Tropical and Subtropical Deciduous Forests?

<p>Dominated by coniferous trees (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of Temperate Deciduous Forests during the spring compared to other seasons?

<p>The forest is vibrant with new growth and a diverse understory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Forest Ecosystems

Ecosystems that occupy 30% of Earth's land, housing many species.

Tropical Rainforest

A specific type of forest with high rainfall, temperature, and biodiversity.

Annual Rainfall in Rainforests

Rainforests receive 100 to 300 cm of rain yearly.

Humidity Levels

Rainforests have 88% humidity in wet and 77% in dry seasons.

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Nutrient-Poor Soil

Rainforest soil is typically low in essential nutrients.

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Biodiversity in Rainforests

Rainforests contain a high variety of animal and plant species.

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Dry Seasons in Rainforests

Some rainforests experience distinct dry seasons despite high rainfall.

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Equatorial Location

Tropical rainforests are found near the equator with direct sunlight.

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Ecosystem

Interactions among biotic and abiotic components in an environment.

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Biotic Components

The living factors in an ecosystem, like plants and animals.

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Abiotic Components

The non-living factors in an ecosystem, such as water and soil.

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Natural Ecosystem

An ecosystem that exists without major human interference.

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Terrestrial Ecosystem

A land-based community of organisms and their environment.

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Aquatic Ecosystem

An ecosystem consisting of water bodies that host biotic communities.

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Self-Sufficient System

An ecosystem that can sustain itself without human help.

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Limiting Factor

A resource that limits the growth of a community; in terrestrial ecosystems, water is often the key factor.

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Major Terrestrial Biomes

Includes tundra, taiga, temperate forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands, and deserts.

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Temperature Fluctuation

Greater daily and seasonal temperature changes in terrestrial ecosystems compared to aquatic.

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Availability of Light

Terrestrial ecosystems receive more light than aquatic ecosystems.

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Species Diversity

Variety of different species present in an ecosystem, higher in forests.

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Tropical Deciduous Forests

Forests in warm, dry areas near tropics with seasonal leaf shedding.

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Subtropical Deciduous Forests

Forests with warm climates and long dry seasons, featuring leafless periods.

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Transpiration

Process where trees lose moisture through their leaves.

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Deciduous Habit

Characteristic of trees that shed leaves annually to conserve energy.

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Temperate Deciduous Forests

Forests with broadleaved trees that lose leaves annually, experiencing distinct seasons.

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Seasonal Drought

Period of prolonged dry conditions affecting plant life.

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Dominant Tree Species

Main types of trees in an ecosystem like oaks, hickories, and maples.

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Average Rainfall

Amount of rain received yearly by temperate deciduous forests, typically between 750-1500 mm.

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Deserts

Arid regions receiving less than 25 cm of precipitation annually.

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Evaporation in Deserts

Evaporation often exceeds annual rainfall in desert climates.

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Diversity of Deserts

Despite being dry, deserts host a variety of plants and animals.

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Dune Coverage in Deserts

Only about 10% of the world's deserts are covered by sand dunes.

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Tundra Definition

Cold, treeless regions found in the Arctic and on mountaintops.

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Characteristics of Tundra

Includes low temperatures, low diversity, and simple vegetation.

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Nutrients in Tundra

Dead organic material serves as a nutrient pool, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus.

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Plant Adaptations in Tundra

Plants grow low and clump together for warmth in harsh conditions.

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Tundra Plants

Plants in the tundra photosynthesize in low light and cold.

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Asexual Reproduction in Tundra

Most tundra plants reproduce asexually due to lack of pollinators.

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Common Tundra Plants

Moss, lichen, dwarf trees, and tussock grass are typical.

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Man-made Ecosystems

Artificial ecosystems created by humans that mimic natural ones.

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Characteristics of Man-made Ecosystems

These have low diversity and require human input for nutrients.

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Examples of Man-made Ecosystems

Orchards, aquariums, zoos, and parks are examples.

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Agro Ecosystem

The land used for agriculture, initially temporary but now permanent.

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Domestication of Animals

Humans created ecosystems for raising domesticated animals.

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Study Notes

Types of Ecosystems

  • Ecosystems are defined as interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components in an environment.
  • Biotic components are living things, and abiotic components are non-living things
  • Ecosystems can be naturally occurring or artificially created.
  • Natural ecosystems can be classified based on their habitat:
    • Terrestrial ecosystems: Examples include forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra
      • A forest ecosystem is a functional unit that comprises trees, soil, animals and human beings.
      • Forests are complex ecosystems with high species diversity and stability.
      • Forest ecosystems are more resistant to changes compared to other terrestrial ecosystems.
      • Forest ecosystems have three main types. Tropical rainforests, temperate deciduous forests, and boreal/coniferous forests.
      • Tropical rainforests are characterized by high rainfall, high temperatures, nutrient-poor soil, and high biodiversity.
        • Tropical rainforests are found near the equator and get direct sunlight, leading to consistent high temperatures.
        • Tropical rainforests comprise various layers, such as emergent trees, canopy layer, understory layer, and forest floor. This structure and composition ensures high biodiversity.
        • Unlike temperate forests that have different layers, tropical forests are densely packed with plants.
        • This density leads to extensive cycling of nutrients, but nutrients are not stored for long periods in soil.
        • Tropical rainforests receive high rainfall, but nutrients in the soil are not stored for long periods due to quick wash-out.
      • Temperate deciduous forests: These are characterized by trees that shed their leaves seasonally and are found in areas with distinct seasonality. Trees lose leaves in the fall and grow back in the spring.
      • Grasslands: Open areas dominated by grasses and are found in areas with irregular rainfall. Grass within environments reproduce in multiple ways.. There are two major types: tropical savannah and temperates grassland.
      • Deserts: Areas that receive very little precipitation. The amount of evaporation often exceeds the annual rainfall. Deserts can be hot (high temperature) or cold (low temperatures).
        • Deserts contain plants, animals, and other organisms.
      • Tundra: Treeless regions with a cold climate, typically found at high latitudes or high altitudes. Covered with snow much of the year and are noted for their cold temperatures, little precipitation, and short growing seasons. They contain nitrogen and phosphorus. Plants have low height and grow in clumps to protect themselves during the cold and harsh winds.
    • Aquatic ecosystems: Examples include freshwater (ponds, lakes, rivers), marine (oceans, seas, estuaries).
    • Freshwater - Lakes and rivers
      • Lotic - Rivers, streams
      • Lentic - Lakes
    • Marine - Coastal, sea (pelagic and sea floor zones)

Man-Made Ecosystems

  • Man-made ecosystems are artificial ecosystems created to mimic the conditions of natural ecosystems.
  • They are largely maintained and sustained by human intervention.
  • The cycling of nutrients is negligible.
  • Examples include orchards, home aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, and parks. Agriculture is a major man-made ecosystem and includes crop cultivation and animal husbandry.
  • Almost all of the nutrients are supplied from external sources. The cycling of nutrients occurs in a less complete, sustainable manner than in natural ecosystems.
  • Compared to natural ecosystem, manmade ecosystems sustain less diverse species diversity.

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