grade 9 biology test 1

What is a Biotic Factor? Give an example

A living component of an ecosystem. Examples: plants, animals, fungi, bacteria

What is an Abiotic Factor? Give an example.

A non-living physical or chemical component of an ecosystem. Examples: sunlight, water, temperature, soil, air.

How do biotic and abiotic factors interact and support life?

Biotic factors (like plants) need abiotic factors (like sun and water) to survive. Abiotic factors (like soil) are created/modified by biotic factors (like dead organisms).

What are Earth's four spheres?

Atmosphere (air), Lithosphere (land/crust), Hydrosphere (water), and Biosphere (all life).

How do the four spheres interact?

A tree (Biosphere) takes water from the ground (Hydrosphere) and uses carbon dioxide from the air (Atmosphere) to grow roots in the soil (Lithosphere).

Define Sustainability

The ability to maintain an ecological balance so a biological community can survive indefinitely

How do human activities affect the balance of ecosystems?

Activities like deforestation, pollution, and over-logging can destroy habitats, introduce invasive species, and change the environment, leading to loss of biodiversity.

How can sustainable practices protect ecosystems?

Practices like recycling, using electric cars, responsible logging, and reforestation reduce our negative impact and help maintain the natural balance.

What is an example of a Natural Event that affects an ecosystem?

Hurricanes, floods, or wildfires can rapidly destroy habitats, but ecosystems can usually recover over time.

What is the purpose of Photosynthesis?

Plants (producers) use sunlight, water, and \text{CO}_2 to create chemical energy (glucose) for food.

What are the REACTANTS (ingredients) of Photosynthesis?

Carbon Dioxide (\text{CO}_2) and Water (\text{H}_2\text{O}) and Sunlight (energy).

What are the PRODUCTS (results) of Photosynthesis

Glucose (\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6) and Oxygen (\text{O}_2).

What is the purpose of Cellular Respiration?

All organisms break down glucose using oxygen to release energy (ATP) to fuel their life processes.

What are the REACTANTS (ingredients) of Cellular Respiration?

Glucose (\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6) and Oxygen (\text{O}_2).

What are the PRODUCTS (results) of Cellular Respiration?

Carbon Dioxide (\text{CO}_2), Water (\text{H}_2\text{O}), and Energy (ATP).

How are the two processes related?

They are the reverse of each other! Photosynthesis uses the products of cellular respiration, and cellular respiration uses the products of photosynthesis. They cycle matter and energy.

What is the main process in the Water Cycle?

Evaporation (liquid to gas) and Condensation (gas to liquid/clouds), followed by Precipitation (rain/snow).

How does Carbon cycle through the Earth and living things?

Living things release it through respiration. Plants absorb it for photosynthesis. It is stored in the atmosphere, oceans, and as fossil fuels in the lithosphere.

What role do decomposers play in the Nitrogen Cycle?

They break down dead organisms and waste, releasing nitrogen back into the soil, which then can be converted into a form plants can absorb.

How do fossil fuels affect the Carbon Cycle?

Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of stored carbon (as \text{CO}_2) into the atmosphere, which is destabilizing the natural balance.

What is a Biome?

A large naturally occurring community characterized by its wildlife, soil, vegetation, and climate.

Name the 5 major biomes in Canada (based on your map

Boreal Forest, Tundra, Mountain Forest, Grassland, and Temperate Deciduous Forest.

What is a key characteristic of the Tundra biome?

Permafrost (permanently frozen soil), very little vegetation (mosses, lichens), and very cold.

What is a key characteristic of the Boreal Forest (Taiga)?

Dominated by coniferous trees (evergreens like spruce/fir) and long, cold winters.

What is a key characteristic of the Grassland biome?

Dominated by grasses; prairies; hot summers and cold winters; rich soil.