Ecosystem Factors and Interdependence

These flashcards cover the key concepts regarding interdependence, abiotic and biotic factors influencing ecosystems, and adaptations of plants and animals.

What factors may plants compete for?

Light, space, water, and mineral ions from soil.

What is interdependence in an ecosystem?

Different species in an ecosystem depend on each other for resources; removal of one species can affect the entire community.

What defines a stable community?

A community where biotic and abiotic factors are balanced, keeping population sizes relatively constant.

List abiotic factors that may affect an ecosystem.

Light intensity, temperature, moisture, soil pH and mineral content, wind intensity and direction, carbon dioxide level, and oxygen level.

How does light intensity affect an ecosystem?

Different species of plants have different optimum light intensities for growth.

Why does temperature affect ecosystems?

Different species have varying optimum temperatures for growth and survival.

How does soil pH affect plant growth?

Certain plants thrive in either alkaline or acidic soil, affecting their appearance.

What is the impact of moisture level on ecosystems?

Waterlogged soil can hinder roots from respiring, and some plants are adapted to high moisture levels.

How does wind intensity influence seed germination?

Seeds are more likely to germinate in areas with lower wind intensity.

Why is soil mineral content important for plants?

Most plants require high levels of soil minerals to grow well.

Give an example of a plant that adapts to low soil mineral content.

Carnivorous plants catch insects to compensate for nutrient-poor soil.

What is the effect of carbon dioxide concentration on plants?

Higher carbon dioxide concentration promotes more plant growth.

How does oxygen concentration impact aquatic animals?

Aquatic animals cannot survive in areas with low oxygen concentration.

What are the biotic factors that may affect an ecosystem?

Food, new predators, new pathogens, and competition.

Give three examples of extreme living environments.

High temperature, high pressure, and high salt concentration.

What can happen if one species is removed from an ecosystem?

It can affect the entire community due to interdependence.

Why do different species have different optimum light conditions?

Because they have adapted to various light environments to maximize growth.

What is the significance of temperature fluctuations in an ecosystem?

They can influence the survival and reproduction of various species.

How do certain plants exhibit adaptability to soil conditions?

They can thrive in either acidic or alkaline soils based on their specific requirements.

What adaptations do some plants have for moisture levels?

Some plants can thrive in high moisture while others cannot survive in waterlogged conditions.

In what way does wind affect plant ecosystems?

Wind can alter seed dispersal and germination success.

Why is high soil mineral content crucial for plant health?

It provides essential nutrients for growth and development.

What adaptations do carnivorous plants have?

They catch insects to supplement their nutrient intake from soil.

How does increased carbon dioxide benefit plants?

It enhances photosynthesis, leading to growth.

What is the threshold of oxygen concentration for aquatic life?

Aquatic animals need sufficient oxygen levels to survive.

List some biotic influences on an ecosystem.

Examples include the availability of food, presence of predators, pathogens, and competition.

What defines an extreme living environment?

Conditions that are challenging for most life, such as high temperature, pressure, or salinity.

How does light intensity relate to competition among plants?

Plants compete for optimal light conditions necessary for photosynthesis.

What role does moisture play in plant survival?

It indicates whether plants can effectively absorb water needed for growth.

How does soil pH influence plant appearance?

Certain pH levels can change the coloration of plants, like hydrangeas.

Explain how oxygen levels affect aquatic ecosystems.

Low oxygen levels can lead to the death of aquatic organisms.

Identify one consequence of biotic competition.

It can limit resources available to species, affecting their survival.

What adaptations do organisms exhibit in extreme environments?

They evolve unique characteristics that enable them to thrive despite harsh conditions.

Describe the concept of ecosystem interdependence.

It refers to the reliance of species on one another for survival and resources.

Why is understanding abiotic factors crucial in ecology?

They directly influence the living organisms within an ecosystem.

How do predators impact ecosystem balance?

They can control the population of prey species, maintaining balance.

What happens to an ecosystem if a keystone species is removed?

The whole ecosystem might collapse or significantly change.

Explain why studying ecosystem dynamics is important.

It helps us understand biodiversity and how to preserve it.

What are some adaptations to extreme moisture levels?

Plants may develop specialized root systems to prevent rot or absorb excess water.

How do non-native species affect competition in ecosystems?

They can disrupt the balance by outcompeting local species for resources.

Describe a stable ecosystem.

One where diverse species coexist and populations fluctuate around their carrying capacities.