Questions and Answers
A habitat is the artificial environment in which an organism or species lives.
False
Marine habitats include oceans, coral reefs, and forests.
False
Ecosystems are composed of only living components.
False
Decomposers are a type of consumer in an ecosystem.
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Genetic diversity is the variety of different species in an ecosystem.
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Climate change is a short-term cooling of the planet.
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Rising sea levels are not an effect of climate change.
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Conservation only involves the protection of wildlife habitats.
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In situ conservation protects species outside their natural environment.
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Conservation is only important for maintaining ecosystem services.
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Study Notes
Wildlife Habitats
- A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism or species lives
- Types of habitats:
- Terrestrial (land-based): forests, grasslands, deserts
- Freshwater: rivers, lakes, wetlands
- Marine: oceans, coral reefs, estuaries
- Arctic/Antarctic: tundra, ice caps
- Habitat destruction and fragmentation are major threats to wildlife populations
Ecosystems
- An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other
- Components:
- Biotic factors: plants, animals, microorganisms
- Abiotic factors: water, sunlight, temperature, soil
- Energy flow:
- Producers (plants): convert sunlight into energy
- Consumers (animals): obtain energy by consuming producers or other consumers
- Decomposers (microorganisms): break down organic matter
Biodiversity
- The variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in an ecosystem or on Earth as a whole
- Types of biodiversity:
- Species diversity: number of different species
- Genetic diversity: variety of genes within a species
- Ecosystem diversity: variety of ecosystems
- Importance of biodiversity:
- Provides ecosystem services: pollination, pest control, climate regulation
- Supports human well-being: food, medicine, recreation
Climate Change
- Long-term warming of the planet due to increase in average global temperature
- Causes:
- Greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor
- Human activities: burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture
- Effects on nature:
- Rising sea levels
- Changes in precipitation patterns
- Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events
- Shift in species distribution and extinction risk
Conservation
- The protection and preservation of natural resources, including wildlife and their habitats
- Approaches:
- In situ conservation: protects species and habitats in their natural environment
- Ex situ conservation: protects species outside their natural environment (e.g., zoos, botanical gardens)
- Sustainable use: manages natural resources in a way that maintains their long-term health
- Importance of conservation:
- Maintains ecosystem services
- Supports human well-being
- Preserves option values for future generations
Wildlife Habitats
- A habitat is the natural environment where an organism or species lives
- Terrestrial habitats include forests, grasslands, and deserts
- Freshwater habitats include rivers, lakes, and wetlands
- Marine habitats include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries
- Arctic/Antarctic habitats include tundra and ice caps
- Habitat destruction and fragmentation are major threats to wildlife populations
Ecosystems
- An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other
- Biotic factors in an ecosystem include plants, animals, and microorganisms
- Abiotic factors in an ecosystem include water, sunlight, temperature, and soil
- Producers (plants) convert sunlight into energy
- Consumers (animals) obtain energy by consuming producers or other consumers
- Decomposers (microorganisms) break down organic matter
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity is the variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms
- Types of biodiversity include species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity
- Species diversity refers to the number of different species
- Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species
- Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems
- Biodiversity provides ecosystem services, supports human well-being, and has option values for future generations
- Ecosystem services include pollination, pest control, and climate regulation
- Human well-being benefits from biodiversity include food, medicine, and recreation
Climate Change
- Climate change is the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in average global temperature
- Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, contribute to climate change
- Human activities, including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture, contribute to climate change
- Climate change effects on nature include rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events
- Climate change also shifts species distribution and increases extinction risk
Conservation
- Conservation is the protection and preservation of natural resources, including wildlife and their habitats
- In situ conservation protects species and habitats in their natural environment
- Ex situ conservation protects species outside their natural environment, such as in zoos or botanical gardens
- Sustainable use manages natural resources in a way that maintains their long-term health
- Conservation maintains ecosystem services, supports human well-being, and preserves option values for future generations
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Description
Explore the different types of habitats and ecosystems that support various forms of wildlife, and learn about the threats they face. From terrestrial to marine environments, understand the importance of these ecosystems.