Topic 9 Flashcards
(23 cards)
Population
A group of organisms of the same species living in the same place at the same time
A community
All the populations living in the same area at the same time
A habitat
Place where an organism lives
Ecosystem
All the biotic factors and abiotic factors that interact within one area at one time
Biotic factors
All living components such as plants and animals
Abiotic factors
All non living factors such as mineral ions, water availability and light intensity
Interdependence
If one species is removed it will affect the whole community
Paristic relationship
Parasite gains resources but host does not
Mutalsitic relationships
Both organisms benefit in some way
Biodiversity
The range of variety of different species of organisms within a given area
Important of biodiversity
High biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another
Distribution
How a species is spread out in an ecosystem
How are quadrants laid
Randomly to prevent bias
The carbon cycle
Carbon is taken out of the atoms sphere in the form of co2 by plants
It is passed onto animals by feeding
It’s returned to the atomosphere as a result of reputation
If animals and plants die in conditions were decomposing microorganisms are not present the carbon in their bodies can be converted into fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are burnt and carbon is released
The importance of the carbon cycle
To maintain the correct balance between stores in order to sustain life
What does the nitrogen cycle show
How nitrogen is recycled in ecosystems
How much of the atomesphere is nitrogen
78%
Nitrogen fixation
Atomespheric nitrogen gas is converted into nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia form ions that can be used in plants
This is carried out by nitrogen fixing bacteria that are found free living in soil and in the root nodules of certain legumes - it takes N2 gas and changes it into nitrates in the soil
Ammonification
Nitrogen compounds in waste products and dead organisms are converted into ammonia by saprobiants
This ammonia form ammonium ions in the soil
Nitrification
The ammonium ions are converted by nitrifying bacteria into nitrates which can be used by plants
Denitrification
Denitrifying bacteria use nitrates in the soil during respiration
The process produces nitrogen gas which returns to the atmosphere
Occurs in anaerobic conditions
Benefits of fish farms
Raise large numbers of fish in a small space
Maximise yields
The effect of fish farms on biodiversity
Predators may be attracted and get caught in nets
Diseases can spread quickly
Eutrophication can occur
