Unit 1 Ecology Flashcards
Conducting research variables/ Tradgedy of the Commons/ Nitrogen Cycle/Carbon Cycle
Tragedy of the Commons
People over using public resources
Hypothesis
A specific, testable prediction about the outcome of the experiment
Qualitive
Descriptive, non-numerical information collected about the experiment
Repeated trials
Increase accuracy and validity of the data by ensuring that similar results occur more than once
Quantitative
Numerical information collected about the experiment
Experimental group
The subjects that receive the changed conditions in the exxperiment
Control group
The subjects that remain in the original, unchanged conditions in order to provide a baseline for comparison
Controlled variables
Same as constants!
Dependent variables
Factors that are measured, they respond to changes
Constants
These must be kept as close to identical as possible among all the subjects or it won’t be clear what is affecting the outcome
Independent
This is the factor being changed, there should be only one per experiment
Large Sample size
This will increase accuracy and validity of the data by lessening the effect of any outliers.
Photosynthesis Formula
6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Herbivore
Eats only plants
Carnivore
Eats only meat
Omnivore
Eats both plants and animals
5 Steps of Nitrogen Cycle
1) Nitrogen Fixation
2) Ammonification
3) Nitrification
4) Assimilation
5) Denitrification
Nitrogen Fixation
Bacteria transforms nitrogen gas into ammonia(absorbed by plants)
Ammonification
Decomposers take the decaying matter that consists of nitrogen and create ammonia and ammonium
Nitrification
Bacteria transforms ammonia into nitrite. Then nitrite into nitrates which can be absorbed and used by plants.
Assimilation
Plants are now absorbing the ammonia and/or nitrate through their roots to make proteins
Denitrification
Bacteria converting some nitrates in the soil into nitrogen gas(this is released into the atmosphere)
Ammensalism
harmed/neutral
Mutualism
Benefit/ Benefit