Ecosystems, Adaptations, and Ecological Interactions

Flashcards covering ecosystem components, biotic and abiotic factors, physical and physiological adaptations, trophic levels, and symbiotic relationships (commensalism, mutualism, parasitism).

What common theme and requirements do all ecosystems share, regardless of their size?

All ecosystems share the common theme of existing in balance, having enough shelter, food, water, and space.

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Biotic factors are living things in an ecosystem (such as animals, bacteria, and plants), whereas abiotic factors are nonliving chemical and physical factors (such as wind, sun, rain, temperature, and soil type).

What are the chemical and physical abiotic factors listed that affect what can live within an ecosystem?

Rainfall and water availability, soil type, temperature, pH of soil or water, sunlight, nutrient availability in soil or water, gas (oxygen and carbon dioxide) availability, and salinity of soil or water.

What is the definition of the "zone of tolerance"?

The range of an abiotic factor that an organism can survive in.

What is an adaptation, and what three categories can adaptations fall into?

Adaptations are characteristics that help an organism survive and reproduce in its environment. They can be physical, behaviors, or physiological.

What is mimicry, and how does the sawfly demonstrate it?

Mimicry is a physical adaptation where a harmless organism evolves to appear more like a dangerous species. For example, the sawfly has evolved the warning colors of a wasp to deter predators, even though it cannot sting.

What is a physiological adaptation, and what are four examples mentioned in the lecture?

A physiological adaptation is an internal body process to regulate and maintain homeostasis for survival. Examples include temperature regulation, release of toxins or poisons, releasing antifreeze proteins to avoid freezing in cold environments, and release of nectar to attract prey.

How do herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, and decomposers each obtain energy?

Herbivores feed on producers; omnivores feed on producers and other consumers; carnivores feed on other consumers; and decomposers break down dead matter.

What positions do grass, grasshopper, blue-tongue lizard, eastern brown snake, and wedge-tailed eagle hold in their food chain?

Grass is the producer, grasshopper is the primary consumer, blue-tongue lizard is the secondary consumer, eastern brown snake is the tertiary consumer, and wedge-tailed eagle is the quaternary consumer.

According to the ecosystem hierarchy chart, how are primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers classified by diet?

Primary consumers are herbivores, secondary consumers are primary carnivores, and tertiary consumers are secondary carnivores.

What is commensalism, and what are three examples provided in the notes?

Commensalism is a relationship between two living organisms where one benefits without harming the other. Examples include: tree frogs using plants for protection; cattle egrets eating insects stirred up by grazing cattle; and expelled golden jackals trailing tigers to feed on kill remains.

What is mutualism, and what are the six examples given?

Mutualism is a type of symbiosis where two or more species benefit from each other. Examples include: humans and gut bacteria, bees and flowers, clownfish and anemone, ants and aphids, lichen (fungi and algae), and woolly bat and pitcher plant.

What is parasitism, and what examples are identified in the notes?

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits while the other is harmed. Examples include: tick and dog, hookworms and humans, aphids and plants, cuckoo in other bird's nest, barnacles and whales, and leeches and humans.

In the provided food chains diagram, which organisms represent the primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers in the aquatic food chain?

Primary producer: phytoplankton; Primary consumer: zooplankton; Secondary consumer: crab; Tertiary consumer: sea otter.