3B3 Ecosystem Dynamics

Question 1

What are biotic factors?

Answer 1

Living components of an ecosystem.

Biotic factors include organisms like plants, animals, and microorganisms that interact within ecosystems and influence ecological processes.

Question 2

Why are biotic factors important?

Answer 2

They affect the survival and distribution of organisms.

Interactions such as predation, competition, and symbiosis shape populations and influence biodiversity.

Question 3

What are examples of biotic factors?

Answer 3

• Producers
• Consumers
• Decomposers

Producers generate energy (e.g., plants), consumers depend on producers (e.g., herbivores), and decomposers recycle nutrients.

Question 4

What refers to non-living elements of an ecosystem?

Answer 4

Abiotic factors

These factors, like temperature and soil, shape the environment and determine the types of organisms that can survive there.

Question 5

What are examples of abiotic factors?

Answer 5

• Temperature
• Water
• Soil
• Sunlight
• Air

These are the non-living elements that influence the environment and the organisms living in it.

Question 6

Why is temperature an important abiotic factor?

Answer 6

It regulates metabolic rates and influences species distribution.

Extreme temperatures limit the types of species that can survive in an ecosystem, affecting plant growth and animal activity.

Question 7

How does water availability affect ecosystems?

Answer 7

It is essential for plant growth and animal hydration.

Water availability determines the types of organisms that can thrive in an ecosystem, particularly in regions like deserts or rainforests.

Question 8

True or False:

Abiotic factors do not change over time.

Answer 8

False

Abiotic factors like temperature and precipitation can change due to seasons, climate variations, or human activities.

Question 9

How do biotic and abiotic factors interact?

Answer 9

Biotic factors rely on and influence abiotic factors.

For example, plants rely on sunlight (abiotic) for photosynthesis, and they can modify soil composition (biotic).

Question 10

How do abiotic factors limit growth?

Answer 10

They set physical boundaries for where species can live.

Environmental factors like temperature extremes or water shortages can prevent species from thriving in specific regions.

Question 11

True or False:

Abiotic factors are more important in ecosystem dynamics.

Answer 11

False

Both abiotic and biotic factors work together to shape ecosystems. Changes in one can affect the other.

Question 12

What is a biome?

Answer 12

A large area with specific climate and ecosystems.

Examples of biomes include deserts, forests, and tundras, each with unique climates and organisms adapted to those conditions.

Question 13

How do biomes differ from ecosystems?

Answer 13

• Biomes: Large geographical areas defined by specific climates and plant/animal types.
• Ecosystems: Smaller, localized units where living organisms interact with each other and their physical environment.

Question 14

What are some examples of major biomes?

Answer 14

• Tropical rainforest
• Desert
• Grassland
• Tundra
• Temperate forest

Question 15

Fill in the blank:

The ______ biome has low precipitation and extreme temperatures.

Answer 15

desert

Deserts have very low rainfall and can experience extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night.

Question 16

Why are tropical rainforests considered a unique biome?

Answer 16

They have high biodiversity, warm temperatures, and abundant rainfall.

Tropical rainforests are home to many species of plants and animals, making them one of the most biodiverse biomes on Earth.

Question 17

True or False:

The tropical rainforest biome is found only near the equator.

Answer 17

True

Tropical rainforests are found in regions near the equator, where consistent sunlight and rainfall create a warm, moist environment for a rich diversity of species.

Question 18

What are examples of different types of ecosystems?

Answer 18

• Forest ecosystem
• Aquatic ecosystem (e.g., oceans, freshwater)
• Grassland ecosystem
• Wetland ecosystem

Question 19

Fill in the blank:

________ are areas where two ecosystems meet, often showing higher biodiversity.

Answer 19

Ecotones

Ecotones serve as transition zones between different ecosystems, providing diverse habitats and supporting a wide range of species.

Question 20

What are the levels of biological organization, from largest to smallest?

Answer 20

• Biome
• Ecosystem
• Community
• Population
• Organism

Question 21

What is the main characteristic of a wetland ecosystem?

Answer 21

Areas that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally.

Wetlands support unique plant and animal species adapted to waterlogged conditions, such as marshes and swamps.

Question 22

How do biomes and ecosystems relate to each other?

Answer 22

Biomes consist of multiple ecosystems with similar climatic conditions.

An ecosystem within a biome shares the same general environment but includes specific species interactions and adaptations.

Question 23

True or False:

Biomes are typically found in specific geographic regions.

Answer 23

False

While biomes are often linked to specific geographic areas, they can be found across continents at different latitudes, such as the tundra found in both the Arctic and mountainous regions.

Question 24

Fill in the blank:

________ is the human activity that causes the most disruption to ecosystems.

Answer 24

Pollution

Pollution, including air, water, and soil contamination, disrupts ecosystems and can harm species’ health and reproduction.

Question 25

What is **biodiversity**?

Answer 25

The **variety of life forms** in an area. ## Footnote This includes species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity, which are essential for ecosystem stability and resilience.

Question 26

What are **natural resources** used by humans called?

Answer 26

Human resources ## Footnote These include *raw materials*, *energy*, and *ecosystem services* like water, air, and food.

Question 27

Why is biodiversity **important** for humans?

Answer 27

It **provides** food, medicine, and ecosystem services. ## Footnote Biodiversity supports agricultural productivity, offers medicinal compounds, and maintains ecosystem functions like pollination and climate regulation.

Question 28

# True or False: Deforestation and pollution **do not affect** biodiversity.

Answer 28

False ## Footnote These activities lead to habitat loss, species extinction, and reduced ecosystem services, impacting biodiversity.

Question 29

What are the key ways biodiversity **benefits** human resources?

Answer 29

* Provides raw materials (e.g., timber, food, fibers) * Supports agriculture (e.g., pollination, pest control) * Offers medicinal resources (e.g., plants for medicine) * Ensures ecosystem services (e.g., water purification, climate regulation)

Question 30

What human activities **negatively impact** biodiversity and human resources?

Answer 30

* Deforestation * Pollution * Overfishing * Urbanization * Climate change ## Footnote These activities lead to habitat loss, species extinction, and the disruption of vital ecosystem services.

Question 31

How does biodiversity **affect** human health?

Answer 31

It **provides** medicines and regulates diseases. ## Footnote **Biodiversity** supports human health by offering plants for medicine and controlling pest populations that can spread disease.

Question 32

# Fill in the blank: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the **practice** of preserving biodiversity for long-term human benefit.

Answer 32

Conservation ## Footnote **Conservation** maintains natural resources like clean water, air, and fertile soil, which are vital for human survival and economic stability.

Question 33

# True or False: A decrease in biodiversity **can lead** to the collapse of food systems.

Answer 33

True ## Footnote Loss of biodiversity *disrupts crop pollination*, *pest control*, and *genetic diversity* in agriculture, affecting food production.

Question 34

Which **global agreement** focuses on preserving biodiversity?

Answer 34

The Convention on Biological Diversity | (CBD) ## Footnote The **CBD** aims to conserve biodiversity, promote its sustainable use, and ensure fair distribution of benefits.

Question 35

What is **ecosystem stability**?

Answer 35

The ability of an ecosystem to **remain unchanged** despite disturbances. ## Footnote Stability is maintained through biodiversity and species interactions, which help ecosystems recover from changes and continue functioning.

Question 36

What is **ecological succession**?

Answer 36

The **gradual development** of ecosystems over time. ## Footnote Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems evolve and change over time, typically following a disturbance, where species gradually establish, grow, and replace one another, leading to a stable community.

Question 37

List **three factors** that contribute to ecosystem change.

Answer 37

1. Climate change 1. Habitat destruction 1. Pollution ## Footnote These factors can either *accelerate* or *drive ecological changes*.

Question 38

What **factors** contribute to the stability of an ecosystem?

Answer 38

* High biodiversity * Species interactions (e.g., predator-prey relationships) * Nutrient cycling * Habitat complexity

Question 39

What are the **main types** of ecological disturbances?

Answer 39

* Natural disturbances (e.g., wildfires, hurricanes) * Human activities (e.g., deforestation, pollution) * Invasive species

Question 40

# Fill in the blank: The ability of an ecosystem to **recover** after a disturbance is called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 40

resilience ## Footnote *Ecosystem resilience* is a key factor in maintaining long-term stability, especially in the face of natural or human-made disturbances.