Science Ecology Flashcards

Ecology

The study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment.

Species

S group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species that live together in the same area.

Where is chemosynthesis conducted?

Chemosynthesis occurs in environments that lack sunlight, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, hot springs, and some underground caves.

Community

A group of populations living together in the same area.

Ecosystem

All organisms living in the same area along with physical environment

Biotic Factor

Living components of ecosystems that affect organisms

Abiotic Factors

Physical and chemical characteristics of environment that affect organisms.

Niche

An organisms role that it plays in the ecosystem

Competition

Relationship is -/-. Organisms of the same or different species attempt to use an ecological resource in the same place at the same time.

Predation

Relationship is +/-. One organism captures and preys on another.

Symbiosis

Any relationship in which two species live closely together.

Mutualism

Relationship is +/+. Both species benefit from the interaction.

Parasitism

Relationship is +/-. One species is helped (parasite) and the other is hurt or harmed (host).

Commensalism

One species is helped and the other species is not affected.

Chemosynthesis

A process where organisms create food and energy using inorganic chemical reactions. This is for autotrophs.

Photosynthesis

The process in which plants use to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy, or food. This is for autotrophs.

Heterotroph

An organism that obtains energy and nutrients by consuming other organisms, rather than producing its own food.

Autotroph

An organism that creates its own food from inorganic substances, making it a "self-feeder".

What is bacteria’s role in chemosynthesis?

Bacteria act as the primary producers in chemosynthesis, acting as the foundation of food webs in sunless environments

What are the reactants in chemosynthesis?

The reactants in chemosynthesis are an inorganic chemical (like hydrogen sulfide, methane, or ammonia) to provide energy, carbon dioxide for carbon, and oxygen to carry out the oxidation reaction.

What are the products of chemosynthesis.

The main products of chemosynthesis are carbohydrates (sugars) and water which act as the food.