Ecology Flashcards
(16 cards)
Define ecology
The branch of biology that examines the interactions of organisms and their environment
Define Population
A group of organisms of the same species that occupy the same habitat at the same time and live close enough to potentially interbreed
Define Community
A population and abiotic factors
Define Environment
Biotic and abiotic factors influencing organisms
Define ecosystem
Community + abiotic factors
Define Autecology
Relation of an individual and it’s environment
Synecology
Relation of populations/species to other populations/species
Define parasitism
A relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of another
Define mutualism
A relationship in which both organisms benefit
Define commensialism
A relationship in which one organism benefits but doesn’t harm/benefit the other organism
Define climate change
The shift in the earth’s weather patterns ( humidity, degree of cloud cover, rainfall and wind speed) and temperature
What influences the climate?
- The earth’s tilt on its axis as it revolves around the sun
- The global distribution of oceans and continents
- Topographic features ( landscape and it’s elevation)
- Variations in the amount of entering solar radiation
What characterises the biosphere and climate?
Air circulation
Ocean currents
Effects of topography
List 6 effects of climate change
Rise in temperatures = heat waves
Melting ice = rising sea levels
Extreme weathers = floods, hurricanes, droughts
Soil degradation
Disruption of ecosystem
Loss of biodiversity
Explain the effects of water pollution on aquatic life
Algal blooms= Oxygen depletion = death of aquatic life
Toxins affect life ( growth, reproduction, immune system)
Pollutants kill a lot of small organisms = disruption of food chain
Plastics / oils damage aquatic habitats
Industrial chemicals weaken the aquatic life, making it susceptible to diseases
