2_Ecosystems Flashcards
(128 cards)
1
Q
Define ecology
A
The scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and the environment.
2
Q
What are autotrophs?
A
Organisms that capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and convert it into forms living cells can use.
3
Q
What are primary producers?
A
The first producers of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms.
4
Q
What process do most autotrophs engage in?
A
Photosynthesis.
5
Q
What is chemosynthesis?
A
Chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates in dark conditions.
6
Q
Define heterotrophs
A
Organisms that cannot make their own food and acquire energy from other organisms by ingesting them.
7
Q
What are consumers?
A
Organisms that rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients.
8
Q
What are carnivores?
A
Organisms that kill and eat other animals.
9
Q
Define scavengers
A
Organisms that consume the carcasses of dead animals.
10
Q
What are decomposers?
A
Organisms that chemically break down organic matter.
11
Q
What are herbivores?
A
Organisms that eat plants.
12
Q
What are omnivores?
A
Organisms whose diets include both plant and animal matter.
13
Q
What are detritivores?
A
Organisms that feed on detritus by grinding it into smaller pieces.
14
Q
What is the big overarching concept regarding energy and matter in ecosystems?
A
Energy flows through ecosystems, while matter cycles in ecosystems.
15
Q
How does energy flow through an ecosystem?
A
In one direction, from primary producers to consumers.
16
Q
What is a food chain?
A
A series of steps in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten.
17
Q
What is a trophic level?
A
Each step in a food chain or food web.
18
Q
What types of ecological pyramids exist?
A
- Pyramids of energy
- Pyramids of biomass
- Pyramids of numbers
19
Q
Define biomass
A
The total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level.
20
Q
What characterizes a natural ecosystem?
A
Operates itself under natural conditions.
21
Q
What are the three types of ecosystems based on habitat?
A
- Terrestrial ecosystem
- Aquatic ecosystem
- Man-made (Artificial) ecosystem
22
Q
What is a community in ecological terms?
A
Different populations living together in a defined area.
23
Q
What is the primary function of an ecosystem?
A
Manufacture of starch (photosynthesis).
24
Q
What is the secondary function of an ecosystem?
A
Distribution of energy in the form of food to all consumers.
25
What is the tertiary function of an ecosystem?
Decomposition of dead systems to initiate nutrient cycling.
26
What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?
Solar energy.
27
What is a food web?
The interlocking pattern of various food chains in an ecosystem.
28
What is the difference between food chains and food webs?
Food chains are linear; food webs are interconnected and offer multiple feeding opportunities.
29
What is bio-magnification?
The process where non-biodegradable materials increase in concentration at each successive trophic level.
30
What is an ecological pyramid?
Graphical representation of structure and function of trophic levels of an ecosystem.
31
What represents the first trophic level in a food chain?
Green plants or producers.
32
What are the two main types of food chains?
* Grazing food chain
* Detritus food chain
33
What is the process called when the concentration of materials keeps increasing from one trophic level to another?
Bio-magnification
## Footnote
This process highlights the accumulation of toxic substances as they move up the food chain.
34
What is an ecological pyramid?
Graphical representation of structure and function of trophic levels of an ecosystem, starting with producers at the bottom
## Footnote
It shows the biomass, number of organisms, or energy at each trophic level.
35
In a food chain, how does biomass and number of organisms change from producers to consumers?
There is a regular decrease in biomass and number of organisms
## Footnote
Energy loss as heat contributes to this decrease.
36
What occupies the 1st trophic level in a grassland ecosystem?
Producers, specifically grasses
## Footnote
They are large in size and number.
37
Who occupies the 2nd trophic level in a grassland ecosystem?
Primary consumers (herbivores), such as rats
## Footnote
Their number is lower compared to the grasses.
38
What are the secondary consumers in a grassland ecosystem?
Carnivores, such as snakes
## Footnote
Their population is smaller compared to primary consumers.
39
What is the apex consumer in a grassland ecosystem?
Tertiary consumers, such as eagles
## Footnote
They have the lowest number and size at the top trophic level.
40
What is a pyramid of biomass?
Graphical representation of biomass present in a unit area of various trophic levels
## Footnote
It quantifies the biomass available at each trophic level.
41
What is indicated by a pyramid of energy?
The amount of energy flow at each level and the role of organisms in energy transfer
## Footnote
It illustrates energy loss as it flows upwards.
42
What percentage of the world's land area do forests occupy?
31%
## Footnote
In India, forests occupy only 19% of the total land area.
43
What are the main types of forest ecosystems based on climate conditions?
Tropical rain forests, tropical deciduous forests, tropical scrub forests, temperate rain forests, temperate deciduous forests
## Footnote
Each type has distinct climate and biodiversity characteristics.
44
What are the characteristics of forest ecosystems?
Warm temperature, adequate rainfall, rich soil in organic matter and nutrients
## Footnote
These conditions support diverse wildlife and plant species.
45
What are the abiotic components of a forest ecosystem?
Inorganic & organic compounds in soil and atmosphere, minerals, litter
## Footnote
These components are essential for supporting life in forests.
46
Who are the primary producers in a forest ecosystem?
Mainly trees that produce food by photosynthesis
## Footnote
Other producers include climbers, epiphytes, shrubs, and ground vegetation.
47
What are primary consumers in a forest ecosystem?
Herbivores that directly depend on plants for food, such as ants, flies, and deer
## Footnote
They play a crucial role in the food web.
48
What are secondary consumers in a forest ecosystem?
Primary carnivores that depend on herbivores for food, such as lizards and snakes
## Footnote
They help regulate herbivore populations.
49
What role do decomposers play in a forest ecosystem?
They decompose dead plant and animal matter, such as bacteria and fungi
## Footnote
Decomposers are vital for nutrient cycling.
50
What are some environmental services provided by forest ecosystems?
* Nutrient cycling
* Maintaining biodiversity
* Providing wildlife habitat
* Affecting rainfall patterns
* Regulating stream flow
* Storing water
* Reducing flooding
* Preventing soil erosion
* Reclaiming degraded land
## Footnote
These services are crucial for ecological balance.
51
What percentage of Earth's surface do grasslands occupy?
About 20%
## Footnote
They are essential for various ecosystems and human agriculture.
52
What are the three types of grassland ecosystems based on climate?
Tropical grasslands, temperate grasslands, polar grasslands
## Footnote
Each type has unique climatic and biological features.
53
What characterizes tropical grasslands?
High temperature, moderate rainfall, tall grasses, scattered shrubs and stunted trees
## Footnote
They are often referred to as savanna type.
54
What are the characteristics of temperate grasslands?
Cold winters, hot summers, intense grazing, and summer fires
## Footnote
These conditions prevent the growth of shrubs or trees.
55
What defines polar grasslands?
Severe cold, strong winds, ice and snow, with small annual plants in summer
## Footnote
Animals like arctic wolves and foxes are adapted to these conditions.
56
What are the abiotic components of grassland ecosystems?
Nutrients, H, O, N, P, S, supplied by CO2, H2O, C, nitrate, phosphates, and sulphates
## Footnote
These components support plant growth.
57
What do primary consumers in grassland ecosystems depend on for food?
Grasses
## Footnote
Examples include insects, cows, and deer.
58
What are secondary consumers in grassland ecosystems?
Carnivores that feed on herbivores, such as lizards and birds
## Footnote
They play a key role in the food chain.
59
What do tertiary consumers in grassland ecosystems feed on?
Secondary consumers
## Footnote
Examples include hawks and eagles.
60
What is the importance of grasslands?
Vital for raising livestock and providing habitat for various species
## Footnote
They play a critical role in human agriculture and biodiversity.
61
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
They decompose the dead organic matter
## Footnote
Examples include fungi and bacteria.
62
Why are grasslands important for livestock?
They are vital for raising livestock for human consumption and for milk and other dairy products.
63
What types of animals do grasslands provide habitat for?
They provide home to many different animals that were hunted and domesticated.
64
What do grasslands maintain?
Biodiversity.
65
What is the characteristic rainfall amount in a desert ecosystem?
Less than 25 cm.
66
How much of the world's land area do deserts occupy?
About 14%.
67
List the three types of desert ecosystems based on climatic conditions.
* Tropical deserts
* Temperate deserts
* Cold deserts
68
What is a characteristic feature of tropical deserts?
They are the driest and hottest places on earth.
69
Name an example of a tropical desert.
Sahara desert.
70
What characterizes temperate deserts?
Very hot summers and very cold winters.
71
Provide an example of a temperate desert.
Atacama desert.
72
What defines cold deserts?
Hot summers and extremely cold winters.
73
Name an example of a cold desert.
Gobi desert.
74
What abiotic components are characteristic of desert ecosystems?
* Intense solar radiation
* Lashing winds
* Little moisture
75
What types of producers are found in desert ecosystems?
Succulent plants, such as cacti.
76
How do desert consumers adapt to their environment?
They dig holes to live in and come out at night to find food.
77
What role do decomposers play in desert ecosystems?
They decompose the very low amount of dead organic matter.
78
What are the two main types of aquatic life zones?
* Freshwater life zones
* Saltwater life zones
79
List examples of freshwater life zones.
* Ponds
* Streams
* Lakes
* Rivers
80
What is a characteristic of pond ecosystems?
They are stagnant freshwater bodies.
81
What types of organisms are primary producers in pond ecosystems?
* Phytoplankton
* Microphytes
82
What are zooplanktons?
Microscopic animals that float on the surface of water.
83
What are the three types of consumers in pond ecosystems?
* Primary consumers (Zooplanktons)
* Secondary consumers (Carnivores)
* Tertiary consumers
84
What are the characteristics of oligotrophic lakes?
They have low nutrient concentrations.
85
What feature distinguishes eutrophic lakes?
They are overnourished by nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
86
What is the top layer of a lake called?
Littoral zone.
87
What is the main feature of the profundal zone in lakes?
It is the deep open water where it is too dark.
88
What is a key characteristic of river or stream ecosystems?
They are fresh water and free-flowing water systems.
89
What is the effect of running water in rivers and streams on oxygen levels?
It is usually well oxygenated.
90
What abiotic components are involved in river or stream ecosystems?
* River
* Light
* Temperature
* Chemistry
* Substrate
91
What is the primary role of decomposers in lake ecosystems?
They decompose dead plants and animals.
92
What is a stream?
A fresh water and free flowing water system.
93
What increases due to the mixing of water in streams?
Dissolved oxygen content.
94
What do rivers deposit that is beneficial to ecosystems?
Large amounts of nutrients.
95
What are abiotic components of river or stream ecosystems?
* River
* Light
* Temperature
* Chemistry
* Substrate
96
Name three types of producers in river ecosystems.
* Phytoplankton
* Algae
* Water grasses
97
Who are primary consumers in river ecosystems?
Organisms that feed on phytoplankton.
98
Provide examples of primary consumers in river ecosystems.
* Water insects
* Snails
* Fishes
99
Who are secondary consumers in river ecosystems?
Organisms that feed on primary consumers.
100
Give an example of a secondary consumer in river ecosystems.
Birds.
101
What is the role of decomposers in river ecosystems?
They decompose dead animals and plants.
102
Provide examples of decomposers in river ecosystems.
* Bacteria
* Fungi
103
What characterizes ocean (marine) ecosystems?
High concentration of salts and minerals.
104
What are the two major life zones of oceans?
* Coastal zone
* Open sea
105
Describe the coastal zone of the ocean.
Relatively warm, nutrient-rich shallow water with high primary productivity.
106
What are the three regions of the open sea?
* Euphotic zone
* Bathyal zone
* Abyssal zone
107
What characterizes the euphotic zone?
Abundant light and high photosynthetic activity.
108
What is found in the abyssal zone?
Darkness and great depth (2000 meters or more).
109
List abiotic components of ocean ecosystems.
* Temperature
* Light
* NaCl
* K
* Ca
* Mg
* Salts
* Alkalinity
110
What are primary consumers in ocean ecosystems?
Herbivores that feed on producers.
111
Provide examples of primary consumers in ocean ecosystems.
* Crustaceans
* Molluscs
* Fish
112
What are secondary consumers in ocean ecosystems?
Carnivores that feed on herbivores.
113
Give examples of secondary consumers in ocean ecosystems.
* Herring
* Mackerel
114
What are tertiary consumers in ocean ecosystems?
Top consumers that feed on smaller consumers.
115
Provide examples of tertiary consumers in ocean ecosystems.
* Cod
* Haddock
116
What is the role of decomposers in ocean ecosystems?
They decompose dead organic matter.
117
Provide examples of decomposers in ocean ecosystems.
* Bacteria
* Some fungi
118
What is a habitat?
The area where an organism lives.
119
What does a niche refer to?
The full range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives and how it uses those conditions.
120
What is an estuary?
A partially enclosed coastal area at the mouth of a river where sea water mixes with freshwater.
121
Why are estuaries important for humans?
They have high food potential.
122
List abiotic components of estuarine ecosystems.
* Temperature
* pH
* Sodium salts
* Potassium salts
* Various nutrients
123
Provide examples of producers in estuarine ecosystems.
* Marsh grasses
* Seaweeds
* Sea-grasses
* Phytoplankton
124
Provide examples of consumers in estuarine ecosystems.
* Oysters
* Crabs
* Seabirds
* Small fishes
125
What are the primary elements that make up most living organisms?
* Oxygen
* Carbon
* Hydrogen
* Nitrogen
* Sulfur
* Phosphorus
126
What are biogeochemical cycles?
Loops through which elements pass as they are recycled in ecosystems.
127
What is a limiting nutrient?
A nutrient whose supply limits the productivity of an ecosystem.
128
Fill in the blank: Matter is recycled within and between _______.
[ecosystems]
