Study "ecology 1", a flashcard deck on FORKSAI.
Define 'biosphere'.
The biosphere is the part of the Earth and its atmosphere where life can exist. It encompasses all ecosystems and living organisms.
What is the definition of 'ecology'?
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between groups of organisms and their environment. It examines how living things relate to each other and their surroundings.
Distinguish between 'ecosystem' and 'biosphere'.
An ecosystem consists of specific organisms and their interactions with their immediate environment, such as a pond or a forest. The biosphere is the sum of all ecosystems on Earth, representing the entire zone where life is found.
Define 'competition' in an ecological context.
Competition is the struggle between organisms for resources that are in short supply. These resources can include food, light, water, space, or mates.
What are 'biotic factors' in an ecosystem? Provide an example.
Biotic factors are the living components that influence an organism. Examples include competition for resources, the availability of food, and the presence of predators.
What are 'abiotic factors'? Give an example of an abiotic factor affecting a terrestrial environment.
Abiotic factors are the non-living physical and chemical elements that influence an organism. An example in a terrestrial environment is temperature, which can affect processes like hibernation in hedgehogs.
Which of the following is an example of a climatic factor affecting an ecosystem? A) Soil pH B) Predator population C) Rainfall D) Salt content
C) Rainfall. Climatic factors are weather conditions that affect organisms, and rainfall is a key component of weather.
Define 'edaphic factors' and give an example of how they affect terrestrial environments.
Edaphic factors are soil-related factors that affect organisms. An example is soil type; clay soil, being waterlogged, can reduce plant growth due to poor aeration.
Describe the primary source of energy for life on Earth and how it flows into an ecosystem.
The sun is the primary source of energy for life on Earth. This energy flows into an ecosystem when producers (green plants) use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis.
Define 'producer' and 'consumer' in the context of energy flow.
A producer is an organism, typically a green plant, that makes its own food using energy from the sun. A consumer is an organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms.