Sustainable Ecosystems Review

Foundational concepts of ecology including the spheres of Earth, levels of biological organization, stewardship, and biome classifications.

What is the collective term for all regions of Earth that contain life?

Biosphere

What are the three physical spheres that make up the Biosphere?

The Atmosphere (air), Hydrosphere (water), and Lithosphere (earth).

Which gases are specifically mentioned as part of the Atmosphere?

Nitrogen (majority), oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

How deep does the Lithosphere extend below the Earth's surface?

$$100\,km$$

What is defined as a way of acting that involves taking personal responsibility for the management and care of something?

Stewardship

What is the definition of sustainability in an ecological context?

The ability of populations of organisms to continue to live, interact and reproduce indefinitely.

Which field of study focuses on how organisms interact with each other and their environment?

Ecology

What are two benefits associated with high levels of biodiversity?

Greater nutrient retention in the soil and greater ecosystem stability due to greater resistance to disease.

In terms of systems, what are 'components'?

The individual parts of a system that interact as a whole to accomplish a task.

What characterizes a holistic approach to studying the environment?

Emphasizing the entire system rather than just the separate components.

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Biotic factors are living things (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria), while abiotic factors are non-living things (rocks, air quality, water temperature, sunlight).

How is an ecosystem defined?

A complex, self-regulating system in which living things interact with each other and with non-living things.

What distinguishes an artificial ecosystem from a natural ecosystem?

Artificial ecosystems are planned or maintained by humans (e.g., school yards, farms), whereas natural ecosystems are not planned or maintained by humans (e.g., lakes, meadows).

What is the difference between a species and a population?

A species is a group of similar organisms that can reproduce with each other, while a population is a group of members of the same species that live in the same area.

What scientific name is provide in the transcript as an example of a species?

Oryctolagus cuniculus

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

A habitat is the physical environment of an organism, while a niche refers to all of the interactions of a species with its ecosystem (its role).

What is a biome?

A large geographical region that contains similar ecosystems.

What are the characteristics of the Boreal forest (Taiga) biome found in Northern Ontario?

It consists of trees that have cones and needles.

How does the Tundra biome differ from Grasslands?

Tundra has no trees and only consists of shrubs, grasses, mosses, and lichens, while Grasslands have few trees and various grasses and shrubs.

What is the primary difference between Marine and Freshwater aquatic biomes?

Marine biomes have a high saltwater content (e.g., oceans), while Freshwater biomes have a low saltwater content (e.g., lakes, rivers, wetlands).