Ecosystems and Interactions Flashcards
(38 cards)
define a population
all the organisms of one species in a habitat
define a community
all the organisms of different species living in a habitat
define an ecosystem
a community of organisms along with all the non living conditions
what is interdependent ?
when organisms depend on each other for food and shelter in order to survive
what is mutualism ?
relationship between two organisms from which both organisms benefit
what is parasites?
they take what they need to survive and don’t benefit the other organism
what does abiotic mean?
non living
examples of abiotic factors
temperature
amount of water
light intensity
levels of pollutants
what does biotic mean?
living
example of biotic factors
competition
predation
what is biodiversity?
variety of living organisms in an ecosystem
what causes eutrophication?
when nitrate is used as fertiliser and flows into rivers
what is the effect of eutrophication?
death of many species reducing biodiversity
how does eutrophication work?
- fertilisers enter the rivers
- algae grows fast and blocks light
- plants can photosynthesise and start to decompose
- micro organisms increase as more food
what are non indigenous species?
one the doesn’t normally occur in an area
disadvantages of non indigenous species
bring new diseases
reduces biodiversity
kill indigenous species as beat them for food
Give ways fish farms can reduce biodiversity
- farmed fish escape into the wild and cause problems for indigenous species
- predators attracted to net and die
- parasites get out of farm and infect wild animals
- waste can leak into open water and cause eutrophication
what is reforestation?
when land where a forest previously stood is replanted to form a new forest
Deforestation
removes trees reducing biodiversity
why do forests have a high biodiversity?
because they contain a wide variety of tress and plants to provide food and shelter
what are examples of conservation schemes?
protecting a species habitat
protecting species in safe areas
seed banks to store and give seeds to endangered plants
Benefits of maintaining biodiversity
- protecting the human food supply
- ensuring minimal damage to food chains
- providing future medicines
- cultural species
- providing new jobs
what does ecotourism do?
helps bring money into biodiversity areas w he re conservation work is taking place
what are the four steps of the carob cycle?
photosynthesis
respiration
combustion
decomposition
