GB: Chapter 11, Ecology

Question 1

Define Ecology.

Answer 1

Ecology is the study of all the living things in a given environment and the non living world with which they engage.

Question 2

Describe the different levels at which ecology takes place.

Question 3

Discriminate between biotic and abiotic factors.

Answer 3

Biotic factors are parts of an ecosystem that are living. These include animals, insects and overall living Organisms.
Abiotic factors are non living factors. These would include soil, moisture, temperature, and light.

Question 4

Describe the Carbon and Nitrogen cycles.

Answer 4

Nitrogen is essential for the production of amino acids and nucleic acids. Seventy-eight percent of the air we breathe is nitrogen! The first step of nitrogen cycling is nitrogen fixation, the process of nitrogen being converted into ammonia and other compounds that can be metabolized. Compounds such as Rhizobium convert nitrogen gas into ammonium. Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium into nitrites and nitrates.

Question 5

Summarize the water cycle

Answer 5

The water cycle is basicly the process of changing the waters on land into atmospheric rain, so it can come back.
Recycling!

Question 6

Explain what constitutes a biome.

Answer 6

A biome is constituted if it has a biotic and abiotic environment, and atmosphere

Question 7

List various terrestrial biomes along with their average temperatures and precipitation levels characteristics.

Answer 7

Tropical Rainforest:

Temperature: High and stable, typically ranging from 20 to 34°C (68 to 93°F).
Precipitation: Abundant, spanning from 150 to 300 cm (59 to 118 inches) annually.
Characteristics: Dense, warm, and humid, with high biodiversity.

2. Savanna:

Temperature: Warm, with average temperatures between 24 and 29°C (75 to 84°F).
Precipitation: Moderate, with annual rainfall of approximately 10 to 40 cm (3 to 15 inches).
Characteristics: Grasslands with scattered trees, typically found in hot tropical regions.

3. Temperate Grassland:

Temperature: Fluctuates with the seasons, ranging from cold winters to hot summers.
Precipitation: Moderate, generally between 25 and 75 cm (9 to 29 inches) per year.
Characteristics: Also referred to as prairies or plains, located in areas with four distinct seasons.

Question 8

List several aquatic biomes and define their characteristics characteristics.

Answer 8

Oceans:
The largest aquatic biome is known for its high salinity and diverse ecosystems.
Coral Reefs:
These are vibrant, underwater ecosystems dominated by coral polyps, supporting a wide array of marine life.
Estuaries:
These are transition zones where freshwater meets saltwater, creating unique habitats with brackish water and diverse plant and animal life

Question 9

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