Ecosytems Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is all of the living organisms that share a region and interact with each other and their abiotic (never-living) environment.
What is an example of an ecosystem?
Rainforests, swamps, coral reefs
What are Biotic factors of an ecosystem?
What are examples of Biotic factors?
The organic (living or once living) components are called Biotic factors . Examples: trees, flowers, animals
What are Abiotic factors of an ecosystem?
What are examples of Abiotic factors?
The nonorganic (non-living/never living) components are called Abiotic factors. Examples are wind, rocks, soil.
What is the definition of Population?
Together, all of the individuals of a single species in a particular area make a population.
What is the definition of Community?
Individuals from all of the populations form the community.
What powers ecosystems?
The Sun powers life in an ecosystem
What do Producers do?
Producers convert the energy from the Sun and transfer it to the consumers
What are food webs?
Energy is moved throughout the ecosystem through the feeding relationships (food webs)
What are decomposers?
Decomposers obtain the last bits of available energy as they break down biotic components and release the nutrients and minerals back into the ecosystem
What biotic and abiotic features can used to describe an ecosystem?
The organisms that live there
Temperature Range
Precipitation (rain/snow fall)
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is the ability to maintain an ecological balance. Most ecosystems are naturally created and sustainable.
This means that they maintain a relatively constant set of characteristics over a long period of time.
E.g. temperature, precipitation, animal/plant life, etc.
What often disrupts the biotic and abiotic factors of an ecosystem? Give examples.
Human actions however often disrupt the biotic and abiotic factors of an ecosystem. Examples: pollution, cutting down trees, building cities.
What types of ecosystems are NOT sustainable? Give examples.
Ecosystems created by humas are NOT sustainable because they require constant management. Examples: farms, parks, etc.
