Ecosystem and Community Ecology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ecosystems, nutrient cycling, interactions among species, and the impacts of human activity on ecological relationships.

What cycles are important for Nitrogen and Phosphorus in ecosystems?

Nitrogen and Phosphorus undergo biogeochemical cycles.

What is Nitrogen used for in living organisms?

Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids and nucleic acids.

What is Phosphorus used for in living organisms?

Phosphorus is essential for DNA, RNA, and ATP.

How do humans impact the Nitrogen and Phosphorus cycles?

Humans use Nitrogen and Phosphorus for fertilizers, which can lead to environmental issues.

What is Eutrophication?

Eutrophication is the process where excess nutrients lead to algal blooms, reducing oxygen and harming aquatic life.

What causes explosive algal blooms during Eutrophication?

Excess Nitrogen and Phosphorus pollutants lead to rapid growth of algae.

What happens to oxygen levels during Eutrophication?

Oxygen levels decrease due to the consumption by decomposing algae.

What is a 'dead zone' in an aquatic ecosystem?

A dead zone is an area with too little oxygen to support most marine life.

What is a community in ecological terms?

A community is a group of populations of different species that live and interact in the same area.

What is a niche?

A niche is the role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

What does a niche include?

A niche includes the space required, diet, predators, reproductive timing, and environmental resource usage.

What is resource partitioning?

Resource partitioning is the division of resources among species to reduce competition.

What types of interspecific interactions occur in communities?

Competition, predation, mutualism, herbivory, and parasitism.

What is interspecific competition?

Interspecific competition occurs when different species compete for limited resources.

What happens to niches when competition occurs?

Niches may shift or shrink due to competitive interactions.

What is the outcome when a competitor is absent?

The dominant species can occupy a larger niche.

What happens when the competitor is present?

The species is limited to a smaller niche.

What is mutualism?

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

What is parasitism?

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

What is the difference between obligate and facultative mutualism?

Obligate mutualism relies on the relationship for survival, while facultative does not.

What adaptations do predators have for better hunting?

Predators may have keen senses, speed, or stealth.

What adaptations do prey have to avoid predators?

Prey may have camouflage, speed, or defensive mechanisms.

How do positive interactions influence evolution?

Natural selection favors traits that enhance beneficial interactions.

What influences the evolution of traits in ecological interactions?

Strong interactions between species influence natural selection and adaptations.

How do changes in whale populations affect ecosystems?

Changes can influence food chains and nutrient cycles like Nitrogen and Carbon.

What role do whales play in the Carbon cycle?

Whales contribute to nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration in the ocean.

What are the environmental impacts of excessive fertilizer use?

Excessive fertilizers can lead to nutrient runoff, causing Eutrophication.

What is the main source of nitrogen in fertilizers?

Nitrogen is pulled from the atmosphere and converted in factories.

How is Phosphorus obtained for fertilizers?

Phosphorus is mined from rock sources.

What happens during the die-off of algal blooms?

The die-off decreases oxygen levels, harming fish and other aquatic life.

What is the impact of Eutrophication on biodiversity?

Eutrophication can reduce biodiversity by disrupting habitats.

How does increased primary consumer population affect ecosystems?

It can lead to overgrazing and resource depletion.

What is an example of a mutualistic relationship?

Bees pollinating flowers is an example of mutualism.

What happens to sunlight penetration during Eutrophication?

Sunlight penetration decreases due to dense algal growth.

What is the definition of community ecology?

Community ecology studies interactions among species within a community.

How do human activities contribute to Eutrophication?

Fertilizer runoff from agriculture contributes to nutrient overload in water bodies.

What is the consequence of excess nutrient buildup in aquatic environments?

It leads to harmful algal blooms and decreases oxygen availability.

What is competition in ecology?

Competition is the struggle between organisms for limited resources.

What distinguishes herbivory from predation?

Herbivory involves consumption of plants, while predation involves killing prey.

What does it mean for a species to have a limited niche?

It means that the species has restricted access to resources due to competition.

What is a potential negative outcome of interspecific competition?

It may limit population growth or fitness of one or both competing species.

What can trigger a shift in species niches?

Changes in resource availability or competition can cause niche shifts.

What is the ecological significance of a niche?

The niche reflects how species interact with each other and their environment.

How does nutrient cycling relate to ecosystem health?

Nutrient cycling is vital for maintaining productive ecosystems and species diversity.

What role do cleaner wrasse play in marine ecosystems?

They help maintain fish health by removing parasites.

What is the relationship between predator adaptations and prey survival?

Predator adaptations enhance hunting success, while prey adaptations increase survival chances.

Why are adaptations important in ecological interactions?

Adaptations enhance fitness and survival in competitive environments.

What is the ecological effect of nutrient pollution on freshwater systems?

Nutrient pollution leads to harmful algal blooms and decreased water quality.

What contributes to habitat destruction during Eutrophication?

Loss of oxygen and light due to algal blooms contributes to habitat destruction.

How does natural selection relate to ecological interactions?

Natural selection promotes adaptations that facilitate survival and reproductive success.