4.7: Ecology and Human Impact

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to ecology, adaptations, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impact as discussed in the GCSE Biology curriculum.

What is the role of the Sun in ecosystems?

The Sun is a source of energy that passes through ecosystems.

What materials are recycled in ecosystems?

Carbon and water are continually recycled by the living world.

What is interdependence in an ecosystem?

It is when each species depends on other species for food, shelter, and other needs.

What are abiotic factors?

Non-living components that affect a community, such as light intensity, temperature, and moisture levels.

What are biotic factors?

Living components that can affect a community, like food availability and predator presence.

What are extremophiles?

Organisms that live in extreme environments, such as high temperature or salinity.

What do producers do in an ecosystem?

Producers, usually green plants or algae, synthesize molecules through photosynthesis.

What is a stable community?

A community where all species and environmental factors are in balance.

How do changes in abiotic factors affect communities?

Changes can impact species survival, reproduction, and community dynamics.

What is biodiversity?

The variety of different species of organisms on Earth or within an ecosystem.

Why is biodiversity important?

It ensures the stability of ecosystems and reduces species dependence on one another.

What human activities threaten biodiversity?

Pollution, deforestation, and global warming.

What is the carbon cycle?

The process where carbon is recycled through the environment as carbon dioxide.

What is the water cycle?

The continuous cycle of evaporation and precipitation of water in the environment.

What are common methods for measuring species distribution in ecosystems?

Using transects and quadrats.

What can cause a decrease in the population of a species?

Changes in biotic factors such as availability of food or introduction of new predators.

What is the relationship between trophic levels?

Producers are at level 1, primary consumers at level 2, secondary consumers at level 3, and tertiary consumers at level 4.

What happens to energy as it moves up trophic levels?

Only about 10% of the biomass is transferred to the next level; significant energy is lost at each stage.

What is deforestation and its impact?

Large-scale clearing of forests, leading to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.

What are the biological consequences of global warming?

Changes in species distribution, increased extinction rates, and altered ecosystems.

What is waste management?

Processes to handle waste materials to reduce pollution and its impact on biodiversity.

What is an apex predator?

A carnivore at the top of the food web with no natural predators.

How do farmers utilize compost?

As a natural fertilizer for growing plants.

What can lead to environmental changes in ecosystems?

Seasonal changes, geographic shifts, or human activities.

What are some adaptations of organisms?

Features that enable organisms to survive in their environments, such as structural, behavioral, or functional changes.

How do microorganisms contribute to nutrient cycling?

By breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Not covered in this content, only the carbon and water cycles are discussed.

What can affect the rate of decay in biological materials?

Temperature, moisture levels, and availability of oxygen.

What is food security?

The condition of having enough food to feed a population.

What methods can improve food production?

Intensive farming techniques, such as controlling animal movement and temperature.

What are some impacts of pollution on ecosystems?

It can kill plants and animals and reduce biodiversity.

What is sustainable fisheries management?

Maintaining fish stocks through controlled fishing practices.

How can genetic modification help address food demands?

By producing crops with improved nutritional value or increased yields.

What is the significance of recycling resources?

To reduce waste and conserve natural environments.

What does the term 'trophic levels' refer to?

The hierarchical levels in a food chain, indicating the position of organisms based on their feeding relationships.

What do pyramids of biomass depict?

The relative amount of biomass at each trophic level.

What is the impact of land use on biodiversity?

It reduces the habitat available for other plants and animals.

What are the implications of global warming on the environment?

Increasing temperatures can lead to habitat and species loss.

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

They break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the environment.

What is carbon dioxide used for by plants?

It is used during photosynthesis to produce glucose.

What are the consequences of rapid human population growth?

Increased resource consumption and production of more waste.

What factors are critical to maintaining biodiversity?

Habitat conservation, pollution reduction, and responsible land use practices.

What is the function of breeding programs for endangered species?

To increase population sizes and conserve biodiversity.

Why is it important to monitor fish stocks?

To ensure sustainable populations and prevent species extinction.