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Life Sciences Grade 10 P1 > Ecological Studies > Flashcards

Ecological Studies Flashcards

1
Q

Terrestrial biomes in south Africa

A

Savannah
Grassland
Nama karoo
Succulent karoo
Fynbos
Forests
Thicket

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2
Q

Biotic(living) components

A

Auto trophic component
Heterotrophic component

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3
Q

Abiotic components

A

Physiographic factors
Edaphic(soil) factors
Light
Temperature
Water
Atmospheric gases
Wind

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4
Q

Define biosphere

A

The part of the earth where different living organisms occur

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5
Q

The biosphere consists of the

A

Atmosphere(air)
Lithosphere(land)
Hydrosphere(water)

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6
Q

Atmosphere

A

Is the layer of air that surrounds the earth and consists of a mixture of various gases

For instance it contains carbon dioxide(co2) and oxygen (o2)which are essential for photosynthesis and respiration

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7
Q

Photosynthesis equation

A

The process of photosynthesis is commonly written as: 6CO2+ 6H2O → C6H12O6+ 6O2. This means that the reactants, six carbon dioxide molecules and six water molecules, are converted by light energy captured bychlorophyll(implied by the arrow) into a sugar molecule and six oxygen molecules, the products. The sugar is used by the organism, and the oxygen is released as a by-product

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8
Q

Photosynthesis

A

Photosynthesis is a process by which phototrophs convert light energy into chemical energy, which is later used to fuel cellular activities. The chemical energy is stored in the form of sugars, which are created from water and carbon dioxide.

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9
Q

Respiration

A

Respiration is defined as a metabolic process wherein, the living cells of an organism obtains energy (in the form of ATP) by taking in oxygen and liberating carbon dioxide from the oxidation of complex organic substances

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10
Q

Aerobic respiration equation

A

The equation for aerobic respiration is: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy released. The equation can also be written as: C6H12O6 (glucose)+ 6O2 + 36 ADP (depleted ATP) + 36 Pi (phosphate groups)→ 6CO2 + 6H2O + 36 ATP

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11
Q

Lithosphere

A

Is the soil and rocks compromising the outer layer of the earth
Lithosphere, rigid, rocky outer layer of theEarth, consisting of the crust and the solid outermost layer of the uppermantle.

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12
Q

Hydrosphere

A

Includes all the water in the surface of the earth ie. Rivers, lakes and even water vapor
Water covers approximately 75% of the surface of the earth.

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13
Q

Ecological Studies

A

Examines the environment and the interaction between living and non living organisms

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14
Q

Ecology

A

The study of relationships and interactions between living organisms and non living organisms and the natural environment in which they occur.

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15
Q

Ecology

A

The study of relationships and interactions between living organisms and non living organisms and the natural environment in which they occur.

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16
Q

Ecology

A

The study of relationships and interactions between living organisms and non living organisms and their physical and chemical environment in which they occur.

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17
Q

Differentiate between ecology and ecosystem

A

Ecology is a discipline that involves the study of the interaction between organisms and their environments. An ecosystem is a specific community of organisms interacting with a specific environment

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18
Q

Biome

A

Any area with a particular climate together with all the living organisms occurring in the area

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19
Q

Different areas that have different climate conditions and therefore

A

Also different types of vegetation and animals that are adapted to live there

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20
Q

There are 2 types of biome

A

Terrestrial and aquatic

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21
Q

Differentiate between indigenous and alien plants

A

Trees that have evolved and grown naturally in an area or region are categorised as indigenous trees.
These trees usually attract more fauna and are more drought-resistant and hardy than others. Indigenous trees are more resistant to diseases and do not require as much care and maintenance as others
The most famous South African indigenous varieties include the Kei Apple (Dovyalis caffra), the Tree Wisteria (Bolusanthus speciosus

Alien trees include plants and trees that have been brought into a region from another. Thus, they have not naturally evolved and are simply transported from a country to another.

Also known as invasive alien plants, they guzzle up much more water than indigenous trees
These trees can adversely affect the quality of soil nutrients and they do not attract local wildlife as indigenous plants do.

The most commonly found alien trees in South Africa include Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum), Port Jackson’s Willow (Acacia saligna

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22
Q

Differentiate between climate and weather

A

Weather is what you experience when you step outside on any given day. In other words, it is the state of the atmosphere at a particular location over the short-term. Climate is the average of the weather patterns in a location over a longer period of time, usually 30 years or more

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23
Q

Aartvark are

A

Insectivors

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24
Q

Polar bear adaptation

A

Polar bears are adapted to life in a cold climate1234.Some of their adaptations are1234:
White fur that camouflages them from predators and prey on the snow and ice
Thick layers of fat and fur that insulate them from the cold and maintain their body temperature
Small surface area to volume ratio that minimises heat loss
Wide and large paws that help them swim and walk on the snow

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25
Q

Carnivores

A

Secondary consumers that eat meat.

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26
Q

Herbivores

A

Primary consumers in the Heterotrophic level that eat plants

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27
Q

Hunters of prey

A

Predator

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28
Q

Different species in the same habitat

A

Community

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29
Q

Savannah

A

Largest biome in south Africa and covers about 34,4% of country

30
Q

Big five

A

Lion
Leopard
Elephant
Rhinoceros
Buffalo

31
Q

Grassland

A

Covers the high plateau(an area of fairly level high ground.) of South Africa

32
Q

Differentiate between Nama karoo and succulent karoo

A

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Differentiate between Nama karoo and succulent karoo
Asked on 2024/02/14, 1 pageview

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Answers
Nama Karoo and succulent Karoo are two distinct ecoregions in southern Africa, each with its own unique plant and animal communities.

Nama Karoo:
- The Nama Karoo is characterized by its arid and semi-arid climate, with low and unpredictable rainfall.
- The vegetation in Nama Karoo is dominated by shrubs, grasses, and dwarf shrubs, adapted to survive in dry conditions.
- The Nama Karoo is known for its unique plant species, including the iconic Quiver tree and various succulent species.
- The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, adapted to survive in the arid environment.

Succulent Karoo:
- The Succulent Karoo, on the other hand, is characterized by its unique succulent plant species, adapted to store water in their fleshy leaves and stems.
- The climate in the Succulent Karoo is also arid, with low and unpredictable rainfall, but the region is home to a higher diversity of succulent species than the Nama Karoo.
- The Succulent Karoo is known for its rich diversity of plant species, including various types of succulents like Aloe, Euphorbia, and Lithops.
- The region is also home to a variety of wildlife, including endemic reptiles, birds, and small mammals that have evolved to live alongside the succulent plant communities.

In summary, Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo are both arid ecoregions in southern Africa, each with its own unique plant and animal communities adapted to survive in dry and unpredictable climates. The Nama Karoo is known for its shrub and grass-dominated vegetation, while the Succulent Karoo is characterized by its rich diversity of succulent plant species.

33
Q

Important factor of germination of seeds and why is germination important

A

Fire
Germination is avital process for plants, ecosystems, agriculture, horticulture, and human health.It enables the generation of new individuals, the adaptation to changing environments, the maintenance of biodiversity, and the provision of nutritious and digestible food

34
Q

Epiphytes

A

Non parasitic plants that grow on the branches of trees for mechanical support example orchids

35
Q

Environment

A

The sun total of the biological, physical and chemical conditions surrounding an organism

36
Q

Ecosystem

A

A particular area in which living(biotic) components interact with each other and with non living (abiotic) components

37
Q

Ecology is studied on four levels

A

Namely populations, communities, ecosystems and biospheres

38
Q

A population

A

Is a group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area

39
Q

A community

A

Is composed of different species that share a common area and are interdependent on each other.

40
Q

Ecosystem consists of

A

Consist of communities and their environment

41
Q

All ecosystems combine

A

To make up the biosphere

42
Q

Herbivores

A

Are animals that feed on plants only

43
Q

When herbivores eat grass they called….. When they feed on the leaves of trees they are called

A

Grazers.
Browsers

44
Q

Carnivores

A

Feed on animals that are dead or alive

45
Q

Predators

A

Catch their prey while it is still alive. They kill the prey and eat it.

46
Q

Scavengers

A

Feed on animals that have died

47
Q

Insectivores

A

Eat insects such as ants beetled and grasshoppers

48
Q

Omnivores

A

Are animals that eat both plants and animals. Humans eat meat, fruit and vegetables. Many birds eat plants and worms

49
Q

Decomposers(5 steps) :

A
  1. Decomposers are living organisms that break down the remains of dead plants and animals into simpler substances.
  2. The simpler substances are either eaten or released back into the soil.
  3. The roots of the plant absorb the nutrients that are decomposed matter.
  4. Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
  5. Decomposers can have different sizes.
  6. Bacteria are very small decomposers while mushrooms are big decomposers.
50
Q

Plants and animals cannot function independently

A

Plants, meanwhile, need to stay upright to photosynthesize. They need to support themselves and their organs; otherwise, they cannot grow. Plants need the walls to support themselves. Animals, on the other hand, have skeletons, but they act as a frame for the other, flexible, fleshy organs that are required for movement.

51
Q

When all biotic and abiotic parts in an ecosystem work well together the ecosystem is in balance.

A

True, The way these components interact is ever-changing and critical in an ecosystem as living organisms require both biotic and abiotic factors to survive. A deficit or abundance of either component can limit other factors within an ecosystem and influence an organism’s health and long-term survival

52
Q

Biotic factors description in an ecosystem

A

Biotic factors include any living component within an ecosystem. These living components fall into one of the three following categories:

Producers

Producers or autotrophs (i.e. plants, algae, plankton and bacteria) convert abiotic factors into food. The most common pathway is photosynthesis, through which carbon dioxide, water, and energy from sunlight are used to produce glucose and oxygen. Plants are a prime example of these producers.

Consumers

Consumers or heterotrophs obtain energy from producers or other consumers. Most consumers are animals. Some basic examples of what consumers are include cattle, wolves and of course human beings.

Consumers may be further classified as to whether

they feed only on producers (herbivores),
only on other consumers (carnivores),
or a mixture of producers and consumers (omnivores).
Cattle as we know are herbivores, wolves are an example of carnivores and humans are typically omnivores in terms of their diet.

Decomposers

Decomposers break down the chemicals made by producers and consumers into simpler molecules. The products made by decomposers may then be used by producers. Fungi, earthworms and some bacteria act as these decomposers in an ecosystem.

53
Q

Abiotic factors in an ecosystem

A

Abiotic factors are defined as the nonliving components of an ecosystem that an organism or population needs for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Examples of abiotic factors include:

Water

Water is essential for all life. In ecosystems where water is scarce, organisms will develop traits and behaviors that help them survive by harvesting and storing water more efficiently, sometimes this goes on to create a water source for other species as well. In ecosystems like rainforests where the abundance of water depletes soil nutrients, many plants have developed special traits, allowing them to draw up vital nutrients from the soil before water washes them away. Water carries a host of nutrients, gases and raw food sources that aquatic and marine species depend on.

Oxygen

Oxygen is essential to the majority of life forms on Earth, as they need oxygen in order to breathe and to release energy from food and through this process, oxygen drives the metabolism of most organisms on the planet.

Temperature

Temperatures and the extremes of temperature in both air and water are so vital to how organisms survive and thrive in an ecosystem. Temperature can also act negatively or positively on an organism’s metabolism, with countless species evolving over time to become perfectly accustomed to the typical temperature range in their native ecosystem.

Wind

Wind exerts many effects on an ecosystem as it moves other abiotic factors such as soil and even water. It helps in the dispersal of seeds and can help fuel forest fires. Wind affects temperatures and acts on the evaporation process of soil, surface waters and plants, which can alter humidity levels.

54
Q

Resources are limited and organisms compete for the resources

A

Limited resources
Resource partitioning is the division of limited resources by species to help avoid competition in an ecological niche. In any environment, organisms compete for limited resources, so organisms and different species have to find ways to coexist with one another.

Interaction in population ecology

Intraspecific competition is aninteraction in population ecology, whereby members of the same species compete for limited resources. This leads to a reduction in fitness for both individuals, but the more fit individual survives and is able to reproduce

Interspecific competition may occur whenindividuals of two separate species share a limiting resource in the same area. If the resource cannot support both populations, then lowered fecundity, growth, or survival may result in at least one species.

55
Q

An ecosystem can only accommodate as many organisms as it’s resources can carry

A

Carrying capacity
Carrying capacity is the number of organisms that an ecosystem can sustainably support. An ecosystem’s carrying capacity for a particular species may be influenced by many factors, such as the ability to regenerate the food, water, atmosphere, or other necessities that populations need to survive.

56
Q

Explain the factors that influence the balance of an ecosystem as follows

A

A. Extreme high temperatures can cause a loss of water in plants and animals
B. Fires can destroy a habitat very quickly.
C. Droughts occur when there is little to no rain for long periods of time.
D. Floods can put strain on a community because animals can drown.
E. During volcanic activity, the ecosystem can change permanently because the environment is covered in ashes and lava.
F. People hunt animals for food. They also poach animals and steal plants to sell them.
G. During deforestation trees are cut down and the habitat of animals is destroyed.
H. Mining and other human activities add to the pollution of the water, air and soil.

57
Q

Impact of an imbalance in an ecosystem

A

1.an unbalanced ecosystem affects the living organisms that love in it.
2. The impact of an imbalance on am ecosystem because of natural causes is not permanent.
3. The impact of human activity on an ecosystem is permanent and irreversible.

58
Q

The impact of human fsctos in an ecosystem includes

A

Loss of biodiversity :The primary drivers of biodiversity loss are influenced by theexponential growth of the human population, increased consumption as people strive for more affluent lifestyles, and reduced resource efficiency.

Erosion : Erosion occurs for several reasons, but a main reason is human activity. When humans disturb the earth with construction, gardening, logging and mining activities the result is aweakening of the topsoil of the earth, which leads to excessive wearing away and erosion.

Loss of habitat : Habitat loss refers to the reduction in the amount of space where a particular species, or group of species can survive and reproduce. Habitat loss is a consequence of human activities such asagriculture, urbanization, deforestation, resource extraction, alteration of the sea-floor due to trawling (fishing), or the release of pollutants.

Climate change :Simple chemistry– When we burn carbon-based materials, carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted. Basic accountingof what we burn, and therefore how much CO2 we emit. Measuring CO2and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and trapped in ice to find they are increasing, with levels higher than anything we’ve seen in nearly a million years. Chemical analysisof the atmospheric CO2 that reveals the increase is coming from burning fossil fuels. Basic physicsthat shows us that CO2 absorbs heat. Monitoring climate conditionsto find that the air, sea and land is warming, as we would expect with rising greenhouse gas emissions; as a response, ice is melting and sea level is rising. Ruling out natural factorsthat can influence climate like the sun and ocean cycles

We’re the ones who burn fossil fuels, produce livestock and clear trees, increasing the amount of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere

59
Q

Adaptation

A

Is the change in the structural, functional and behavioral characteristics of an organism enabling it to adjust to changing conditions within an environment.

The types of adaptation are:
Structural :a specific feature of a body.
Functional: the way in which a body works.
Behavioural: how a living organism behaves.

60
Q

Predators adapt to their environment

A

Their eyes are in the front or their heads and they can estimate distances

61
Q

Plants adapt to their environment.

A

In deserts, plants store water in their leaves while water lilies have breathing pores on top of their leaves

62
Q

Animals that live in extreme environments

A

Such as camel and polar bears mhs to adapt to survive in the harsh conditions

63
Q

How do camels adapt to their harsh environment

A

Camels have many unique adaptations that allow them to survive in the desert12345. These adaptations include:
Thick fur to protect them from the heat
Fat hump to serve as food storage
Rarely sweating
Ability to go for weeks without water
Wide feet for walking in sand
Long eyelashes and thin, slit nostrils that they can close to protect them from blowing sand

64
Q

How do polar bears adapt to their environment

A

Polar bears are well adapted to survive in the Arctic climate1234. Their adaptations include:
Thick fur that insulates them from extreme temperatures123
An impressive layer of fat that helps keep them warm1234
A small surface area to volume ratio to minimize heat loss2
A greasy coat that sheds water after swimming to help reduce heat loss2

65
Q

Sandy soil

A

Sandy types of soils are, as you may have guessed, highly concentrated with sandy particles that create a very grainy but light growing medium. Characteristics include the quick drainage of water and other fluids, easy workability, and being soft and malleable for digging.



Blog/Whats/Types of soils and their characteristics in agriculture

Types of soils and their characteristics in agriculture



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Understanding different soil types are key to their sustainable management, and this article will break down everything you need to know about types of soils and stewardship so that you can make the most of your soil.

Responsible farming is all about growing and building healthy soils in addition to crops. Soil fertility andbiodiversityare directly related to crop productivity and nutrition, and determine the long-term agricultural productivity of a piece of land.

Farming communities around the world are experiencing the effects of poorsoil managementcaused by industrial agriculture, where continuous soil degradation anderosionhave created infertile dust bowls that are near impossible to cultivate.

What is soil?

Soil is a natural resource that forms on the Earth’s surface through a combination of weathering processes and the accumulation of organic matter. It is a complex mixture of minerals, organic material, water, air, and organisms.

It serves as a vital medium for plant growth, providing nutrients, water retention, and anchorage. It also plays a crucial role in filtering and storing water, supporting ecosystems, and cycling nutrients in the environment.

Types of soils and their characteristics with key features



Soils are typically grouped into six categories depending on their chemical composition, which determines how water and nutrients are retained and dictates which crops are most suitable for growing in them.

Soil composition can be sand, clay, loam, chalk, peat, or silt-based, and many soil systems will have fluctuations throughout them with patches that have higher concentrations of one component than another.

Let’s break each soil type down into its key features and characteristics, and how this translates in an agricultural context.

  1. Sand

Sandy types of soils are, as you may have guessed, highly concentrated with sandy particles that create a very grainy but light growing medium. Characteristics include the quick drainage of water and other fluids, easy workability, and being soft and malleable for digging.



Since water drains efficiently through these soils, they are often noted for their lower nutrient availability and tendency to heat up and dry out quickly. Sandy soils also often have a lower average pH, making the most appropriate for plants that appreciate slight acidity in their soil profile.

Crops that appreciate well-draining soil and hot, dry conditions thrive in sandy soils. This includes herbs native to Mediterranean regions like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, as well as several species of tree such as bay laurel, fig, and olive trees.

The loose texture and lightness of the soil also make it easy for root vegetables to grow and expand without being impeded, so carrots, beetroot, parsnips, radish, and turnips are also compatible with this soil type

66
Q

Loam soil

A

Loamy soils are described as a balance between different combinations of the aforementioned soil types of sand, clay, and silt.This is one of the most desirable and fertile soil types due to its ‘best of both worlds’ characteristics which means it contains the benefits of all three soil types it is made up of.

Loamy soils have good drainage, high nutrient availability, a well-structured profile, and are slow to heat up and cool creating a relatively temperature-stable environment for crops

Most fruits and vegetables will grow very well in loamy soils, however since its composition is a somewhat delicate balance of three other soil types, it needs to be well maintained to prevent one component from taking over and tipping the scales.

Crop rotation is one of the best things for this soil, as it prevents the repeated planting of one single heavy feeder from depleting the soil of all of its beneficial traits.

67
Q

Clay soil

A

Crop rotation is one of the best things for this soil, as it prevents the repeated planting of one single heavy feeder from depleting the soil of all of its beneficial traits.Although the poor drainage of clay soils often makes them undesirable for agricultural purposes, they do typically contain high levels of nutrients and minerals that can be beneficial for certain crops.

Certain fruiting trees and vegetables in the Brassica family can tolerate clay soils but will grow best in a combination of clay/loam soil where they can uptake nutrients but also benefit from improved drainage.

68
Q

Trophic level

A

Trophic level is the relative position of an entity in the food chain. It forms the feeding positions in a food web or chain. All food webs and chains have at least two or three trophic levels.

An ecological pyramid depicts how energy and biomass decrease from lower to higher trophic levels.

Trophic level

Example

Producer – 1st Trophic level

Plants

Primary consumer – 2nd Trophic level

Grasshoppers eat grass

Secondary consumer – 3rd Trophic level

Frogs eat grasshoppers

Tertiary consumer – 4th Trophic level

Snakes eat frogs

69
Q

Trophic levels and energy

A

Trophic Levels and Energy
Energy is transferred up in a food web or chain from lower to higher trophic levels. Typically, only about 10% of the energy at one level is made available to the next level. This representation is shown by the ecological pyramid.

The remaining 90% of the energy is used for metabolic processes or is released into the environment as heat. The energy loss simplifies why there are rarely more than four trophic levels in a food web or food chain. At times there can be a 5th trophic level, however, generally, there is not enough energy remaining to support any extra levels.

70
Q

Biomass of trophic levels

A

Biomass

Biomass is the net mass of organisms at a particular trophic level.

With lesser energy at higher trophic levels, there are typically lesser entities. Organisms tend to be larger in size at a higher trophic level. However, its smaller numbers lead to less biomass.

71
Q

Ecological pyramids

A

The primary trait of each type of ecosystem is trophic structure. In this pyramid, the producer or first level makes up the base of the pyramid. The successive three levels make the apex. The ecological pyramids are of 3 main types, under –

Pyramid of energy
Pyramid of biomass
Pyramid of numbers
Pyramid of energy

This pyramid gives a view of the overall nature of the ecosystem. The weight and number of organisms at any level are based on the rate at which food is being produced. It is upright in shape.

Pyramid of biomass

Comparatively, this pyramid is more fundamentalism. This is because they depict the quantitative relationships of the standing crops instead of the geometric factor. The pyramids may be upright or inverted in shape.

Pyramid of numbers

This pyramid depicts the relationship between herbivores, producers and carnivores at successive trophic levels in terms of their numbers.

In some, the pyramid is upright and in some food chains, the pyramids are inverted (parasites’ food chain)

Life Sciences Grade 10 P1 (9 decks)

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