Ecosystem KA

Question 1

What is an Ecosystem?

Answer 1

An ecosystem comprises all the species or populations living in an area (the living component) together with the non-living parts of that environment.

Question 2

What are Biotic factors?

Answer 2

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem.

Question 3

What are Abiotic factors?

Answer 3

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem.

Question 4

Define Biodiversity.

Answer 4

Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living things.

Question 5

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

Answer 5

• Genetic diversity
• Species diversity
• Ecosystem diversity

Question 6

What is Genetic diversity?

Answer 6

Genetic diversity involves the variety within the genes of a species or population.

Question 7

Why is Genetic diversity important?

Answer 7

It is crucial for a species’ survival in a changing environment, leading to different phenotypes that may be better suited to the environment.

Question 8

What is Species diversity?

Answer 8

Species diversity is the variety of different species within a habitat.

Question 9

What is Ecosystem diversity?

Answer 9

Ecosystem diversity is the variety of different ecosystems.

Question 10

How does higher biodiversity affect ecosystems?

Answer 10

Higher biodiversity generally leads to a more stable ecosystem.

Question 11

List some benefits of biodiversity.

Answer 11

• Provision of oxygen
• Food
• Water
• Resources
• Medicinal purposes
• Breakdown of waste materials
• Natural sites for recreation

Question 12

What is an Individual or Species?

Answer 12

An individual or species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 13

Define a Population.

Answer 13

A population is a group of organisms of the same species who live in the same area at the same time.

Question 14

What is a Community?

Answer 14

A community is a group of different populations living and interacting with each other in an area.

Question 15

What is an Ecosystem in terms of levels of organization?

Answer 15

An ecosystem encompasses the community and the non-living parts of the environment.

Question 16

What challenges exist with the concept of a Species?

Answer 16

Challenges include variations in appearance among interbreeding organisms, fertile interspecific hybrids, and criteria that cannot be applied to fossils or asexual reproduction.

Question 17

What mechanisms prevent reproductive isolation?

Answer 17

Barriers to fertilization, such as different mating calls, pheromones, or differences in flower shape/genitalia.

Question 18

What is Competition?

Answer 18

Competition occurs when groups of organisms vie for the same resource, potentially harming both.

Question 19

What is Predation?

Answer 19

Predation involves one animal (the predator) eating another (the prey).

Question 20

What is Symbiosis?

Answer 20

Symbiosis describes situations where organisms of completely different species live together in close relationships.

Question 21

What are the three types of Symbiosis?

Answer 21

• Commensalism
• Mutualism
• Parasitism

Question 22

Define Commensalism.

Answer 22

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither harmed nor gains.

Question 23

Define Mutualism.

Answer 23

Mutualism is an association where both organisms benefit.

Question 24

Define Parasitism.

Answer 24

Parasitism is a relationship where one species (the parasite) obtains food and shelter from another (the host), causing harm.

Question 25

What are Producers in an ecosystem?

Answer 25

Producers (autotrophs) are organisms capable of producing organic compounds through photosynthesis.

Question 26

What are Consumers in an ecosystem?

Answer 26

Consumers (heterotrophs) obtain organic compounds by preying or being parasites.

Question 27

What are Decomposers?

Answer 27

Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down dead material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Question 28

What are key Abiotic Factors in an ecosystem?

Answer 28

* Sunlight * Water * Temperature * Nutrients * Wind * Salinity * Wave action * Soil factors

Question 29

What role does Sunlight play in ecosystems?

Answer 29

Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis and competition for light can be intense.

Question 30

Why is Water important in ecosystems?

Answer 30

Water availability is a major environmental factor affecting organism survival and community structure.

Question 31

How does Temperature affect organisms?

Answer 31

Temperature affects organisms' metabolic rates and adaptability to different environments.

Question 32

What is the Carbon Cycle?

Answer 32

The Carbon Cycle involves plants taking in CO2 during photosynthesis and releasing it during respiration.

Question 33

What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

Answer 33

The Nitrogen Cycle involves lightning converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable nitrogen compounds.

Question 34

What is the Phosphorus Cycle?

Answer 34

The Phosphorus Cycle notes phosphorus as essential for RNA, DNA, and ATP, sourced mainly from phosphate rock.

Question 35

What is a Food Chain?

Answer 35

A Food Chain is a linear and simple feeding relationship where one organism is eaten by another.

Question 36

What is a Food Web?

Answer 36

A Food Web is a complex network of feeding relationships involving multiple organisms.