science living world

What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is the interaction between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components in an environment.

What are abiotic factors?

Abiotic factors are the non-living physical and chemical elements in an ecosystem.

What are examples of abiotic features in an ecosystem and how do they affect life?

Light, Temperature, Water, Soil type/pH, Salinity, Oxygen.

How do we measure abiotic features?

Using a thermometer, light meter, pH probe, salinity meter, and anemometer.

What is the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle moves carbon through the atmosphere, organisms, and Earth.

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle involves nitrogen-fixing, nitrifying, and denitrifying bacteria.

What does "biotic" mean in ecology?

Biotic refers to the living components of an ecosystem.

What is a biomass pyramid?

A diagram that shows the mass of living material at each trophic level in a food chain.

What is a food chain?

A simple diagram that shows the flow of energy as organisms consume one another.

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

Energy from the sun flows to producers, then consumers.

What are the main types of biotic relationships?

Competition, Predation, Mutualism, Commensalism, Parasitism.

What is a renewable resource?

A resource that naturally replenishes, like sunlight or wind.

What is sustainable practice?

Using resources in a way that does not harm future generations.

How do natural disasters impact ecosystems?

They change abiotic factors and can destroy habitats.

How do humans impact ecosystems?

Through pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and contributing to climate change.

What are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land practices?

Practices that maintain sustainability and balance in ecosystems.

How do Indigenous and European land management systems compare?

Indigenous is sustainable and land-focused, while European is often exploitative.

What are the five main sense organs and their functions?

Eyes for sight, Ears for hearing, Skin for touch, Tongue for taste, Nose for smell.

What is the stimulus → receptor → response pathway?

Stimulus is detected, receptor sends signal, and response occurs.

What is the difference between the CNS and PNS?

CNS is the brain and spinal cord; PNS links body to CNS.

What are the types of neurons and their functions?

Sensory neurons carry messages to CNS; Motor neurons carry messages from CNS.

What is the full coordination pathway for a response?

Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory neuron → CNS → Motor neuron → Effector.

What does a skin sensitivity investigation show?

Different body parts have varying receptor density.