Day 1

What is the biosphere?

The biosphere refers to all parts of the Earth where life exists, including ecosystems from deep seas to mountain tops.

What components support the biosphere?

The biosphere is supported by interactions between the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.

Define a species.

A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

What are the limitations of the species concept?

Limitations include inability to identify isolated populations, classify extinct species, account for asexual reproduction, and define species with incomplete reproductive barriers.

What is the role of taxonomists?

Taxonomists classify organisms into groups ranging from species to domain based on shared characteristics.

What is the binomial system developed by Carl Linnaeus?

The binomial system uses the genus as the first name and species as the second name of an organism.

What is a dichotomous key?

A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify organisms by making a series of choices based on physical characteristics.

What are some limitations of dichotomous keys?

Limitations include reliance on physical characteristics, potential absence of a key for the organism, difficulty in establishing certain traits, and significant body changes in organisms.

What is a population?

A population is a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time, capable of interbreeding.

What abiotic factors can be measured in aquatic ecosystems?

Abiotic factors include salinity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and wave action.

What abiotic factors can be measured in terrestrial ecosystems?

Abiotic factors include temperature, light intensity, wind speed, particle size, slope/aspect, soil moisture, drainage, and mineral content.

How is light intensity measured?

Light intensity is measured using a light meter, ensuring consistent conditions for accurate readings.

What is the benefit of using a temperature probe?

A temperature probe allows for long-term data collection and can measure air, water, and soil temperatures.

How can pH be measured in aquatic ecosystems?

pH can be measured using a pH meter or probe specifically designed for aquatic environments.

What tool is used to measure wind speed?

A digital anemometer is used to measure wind speed based on the rotation of its propeller.

How can soil moisture be determined?

Soil moisture can be measured using a soil moisture probe or by calculating the weight difference after drying a soil sample.

What is a niche?

A niche describes the specific abiotic and biotic conditions and resources that an organism depends on for survival.

What is herbivory?

Herbivory is when an animal feeds on a plant, with the animal being referred to as an herbivore.

Define parasitism.

Parasitism is a relationship where a parasite benefits at the expense of a host organism.

What is mutualism?

Mutualism is an interaction where both species involved benefit from the relationship.

What is competition in ecological terms?

Competition is the demand by individuals for limited environmental resources, which can be intraspecific or interspecific.

What is a pathogen?

A pathogen is a chemical, biological agent, or organism that causes disease, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

What is the significance of competition intensity?

Competition intensity increases with more overlap in the niches of different species.