Living world Flashcards
1
Q
Define ecosystem.
A
Ecosystems are entire living communities of plants and animals that, although diverse in nature, share common characteristics.
2
Q
Define abiotic.
A
Not alive.
3
Q
Define biotic.
A
Alive.
4
Q
What is a food chain?
A
The flow of energy from one organism to another.
5
Q
Explain the nutrient cycle.
A
- Biomass dies (e.g. leaves, animals)
- Litter (dead leaves/animals) dissolve in rainfall
- Nutrients are released from the litter into the soil.
- The soil is then taken up by biomass (the cycle repeats)
6
Q
What is leaching?
A
Where nutrients are washed out of the soil.
7
Q
Define a global ecosystem.
A
Very large ecological areas on Earth’s surface with animals and plants adapting to their environmanet.
8
Q
Why are the poles coldest on earth?
A
Since the earth is spherical, the sun’s rays must travel further and at less of a concentration to reach the poles. It also goes through the atmosphere for longer due to the angle.
