module 4 ecosystem dynamics

Question 1

what is the study of paleontology

Answer 1

the scientific study of fossils and all aspects of extinct life

Question 2

what is the study of geology

Answer 2

the scientific of the origin, history and structure of the earth as recorded in rocks

Question 3

fossils

Answer 3

law of superposition, fossils in different layers relate to age
darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection

Question 4

aboriginal rock art

Answer 4

depicts flora and fauna of the past e.g. droughts

Question 5

geological evidence

Answer 5

changes from anaerobic to aerobic atmosphere

shown in banded iron

Question 6

microfossils

Answer 6

earlier fossils

Question 7

examples of microfossils

Answer 7

single celled, filamentous anaerobic prokaryotes

Question 8

abiotic factors

Answer 8

light, temperature, water, shelter, topography, chemical components

Question 9

symbiosis meaning

Answer 9

2 species living together

Question 10

mutualism meaning

Answer 10

both organisms benefit

Question 11

example of mutualism

Answer 11

sea anemone (provides shelter and protection) and clown fish (provides nutrients)

Question 12

commensalism meaning

Answer 12

one benefits, the other is unharmed

Question 13

example of commensalism

Answer 13

shark (no benefit), and remora (small fish feed on scraps of prey of sharks)

Question 14

Parasitism meaning

Answer 14

one organisms lives in or on another obtaining food from it

Question 15

parasitism example

Answer 15

head lice (feed on blood) and human (host)

Question 16

predation meaning

Answer 16

one organism eats another -> predator eats prey

Question 17

consequences of predation

Answer 17

predator numbers copy those of prey

Question 18

consequences of competition

Answer 18

If one species is more successful, then the less successful species may be driven to very low numbers or die out completely

Question 19

consequences of symbiosis

Answer 19

• Increased evolutionary diversification e.g. biodiversity
• Development of new species e.g. integration of genetic material and development of eukaryotic cells
• Sources of new capabilities e.g. enhancement in evolutionary fitness

Question 20

what are biomes

Answer 20

group of communities with similar structure and habitats extended over a large area

Question 21

what are biospheres

Answer 21

sum of all ecosystems on earth

Question 22

what are microhabitats

Answer 22

smaller area within habitat (tree canopy) where organisms experiences different environments compared to overall habitat (temp, humidity, sunlight)

Question 23

what are niches

Answer 23

the specific way in which an organism fits into its community or ecosystem, including its actual habitat, use of resources and its abiotic and biotic interactions.

Question 24

what is intraspecific competition

Answer 24

competition between species

Question 25

what is interspecific competition

Answer 25

competition within a species

Question 26

what is the sampling techniques- quadrats used for

Answer 26

throw quadrat randomly into an area and count the population of a certain species. Used for counting small plants or slow moving, small animals

Question 27

what is the sampling techniques- transects used for

Answer 27

to determine variation within the population. Used to count larger plants.

Question 28

what is the sampling techniques- tagging/capture-recapture used for

Answer 28

to recognise the animals that have already been counted. Use to count animals that move and are hard to identify.

Question 29

explain structural adaptations

Answer 29

things you can see, body shape, anatomical features that assists an organism to adapt to abiotic or biotic environment

Question 30

structural adaptations EXAMPLES

Answer 30

e.g. large ears, sunken stomata, flying fish body shape

Question 31

explain behavioural adaptations

Answer 31

actions that an organism takes to improve survival

Question 32

behavioural adaptations EXAMPLES

Answer 32

e.g. seeking shad or shelter, migration

Question 33

explain physiological adaptations

Answer 33

inner body functions

Question 34

physiological adaptations EXAMPLES

Answer 34

e.g. production of concentrated urine, venom, shivering to maintain body temperature, antifreeze in arctic plants

Question 35

adaptations of the Tasmanian tiger

Answer 35

Slim body (better access), strong short legs (run faster) sharp teeth, big jaw (to bite prey) pale brown body, stripes (easily blending into surroundings)

Question 36

diet of the Tasmanian tiger

Answer 36

Carnivore, preyed on small marsupial

Question 37

distribution and abundance of Tasmanian tiger

Answer 37

2000yrs ago - abundantly widespread in Tasmania and Australia. Before settlement - heaviest distributions were in the north-east, north-west and middle region. Extinct though because of the El Nino, dry climates.

Question 38

how is a line transect carried out?

Answer 38

A line transect is carried out by placing a line along the area to be sampled The length of the transect depends on the area to be studied.

Question 39

how are land transects useful?

Answer 39

Line transects are useful for investigating areas of varying gradient.

Question 40

what occurs in spotlighting

Answer 40

To observe nocturnal animals, use a strong torch and look for eye shine in the tree tops and ground cover.