Ecology Quiz 1

Scientific Method Order

Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion

VISTA

Variation (From DNA mutations and gene mixing)

Inheritance (Offspring inherit traits)

Selection (Natural selection, survival of the fittest

Time (Takes time over generations)

Adaptation (Result of natural selection)

10% rule

In ecology, the 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level in a food chain, while the remaining energy is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes.

Respiration

The process by which ALL organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

CO2

A colorless gas produced by respiration and human activity, and used in photosynthesis.

Autotroph

An organism that produces its own food using sunlight or chemical energy, serving as a primary producer in an ecosystem.

Heterotroph

An organism that cannot produce its own food and must consume other organisms for energy.

Nitrogen cycle: Where is the majority of nitrogen stored?

In the atmosphere as nitrogen gas (N2).

Nitrogen cycle: How does atmospheric nitrogen become “usable” by plants?

Nitrogen fixation, where bacteria converts nitrogen gas into ammonium

Nitrogen cycle: How do decomposers make nitrogen usable by plants?

Ammonification, where decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nitrogen in the form of ammonium, which can be made usable by plants through nitrification

Nitrogen cycle: How does ammonium released by decomposition and nitrogen fixation become usable by plants?

Nitrification, where ammonium is converted into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria.

Nitrogen cycle: What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

The process by which plants absorb nitrates from the soil.

Nitrogen cycle: What happens to nitrogen in plants after it is consumed by animals?

Nitrogen is excreted into soil, where decomposers ammonify it.

Nitrogen cycle: What process converts nitrate into n2?

Denitrification, where bacteria in the soil converts nitrate back into nitrogen gas.