Life on Earth - Biosphere, Populations, Ecology, Ecosystems - Review.pdf

What is the term for the natural progression of

communities/ecosystems over time that eventually

leads to a “climax community”?

ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION!

What is the term for the zones of transition found

between two adjacent ecosystems?

ECOTONES!

Why are there different climate zones

on earth?

Climate zones are the result of different light

intensities found at different latitudes due to the

spherical shape of the

earth.

Why are there seasons?

Seasons are the result of the tilt of the earth’s axis of

rotation.

What causes wind?

Global wind patterns are associated

with differential heating of the

earth’s surface, and are modified

by the rotation of the earth.

What direction do ocean surface currents in the

northern hemisphere generally circulate?

Clockwise!

What direction do tropical cyclones

(hurricanes) in the northern hemisphere

circulate?

Counterclockwise

What is 1 general type of autotrophs

(producers)?

Most autotrophs utilize photosynthesis to harvest energy.

Plants and algae are well known examples. They are

referred to as photoautotrophs.

What is 2 general type of autotrophs

(producers)?

Others, such as some bacteria, glean energy from

chemical reactions in the environment. They are known

as chemoautotrophs

What are the 2 general

types of heterotrophs?

Heterotrophs: Consumers

and Decomposers.

What generally limits the number of trophic levels in

ecosystems, and the amount of biomass that can be

produced at successive trophic levels?

Energy loss limits the amount

of biomass that can be produced

at successive trophic levels. On

average, only about 10% of the

energy at one trophic level is

passed to the next trophic level

What is the “unifying” concept of how abiotic factors move

through ecosystems, that distinctly differentiates it from how

energy moves through ecosystems?

Cycles

The most common element in our atmosphere.

NITROGEN

- Enters ecosystems primarily through photosynthesis.

CARBON

Enters ecosystems primarily from the soil (weathered rocks).

PHOSPHORUS

- Important component of cellular energy (ATP) but not

normally found in simple carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins

Phosphorus

The “framework” or “scaffold” element for many biological molecules.

CARBON

- Is an important component of the hydrophilic “heads” of molecules that make up most of the

cell’s membrane, but not normally found in simple carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

PHOSPHORUS

“Usable” forms synthesized by bacteria mutualistic with roots of legumes.

NITROGEN

- Important component of proteins but not found in simple carbohydrates or lipids.

NITROGEN

Found in all carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

CARBON, HYDROGEN, OXYGEN

Increase population size?

Biotic Potential

Decrease population size?

Environmental Resistance

Factors

Intraspecific

Intraspecific competition is within a

species.

Interspecific

Interspecific competition is between

different species.

What is “carrying capacity”?

to the

maximum

number of

individuals

that can be

supported by

the ecosystem

over the long

term, without

significant

long-lasting

damage to the

ecosystem.

Exponential (“J-shaped”) Growth

Population growing

near biotic potential and overshooting carrying capacity.

This population will rapidly decrease.

Logistic (“S-shaped”) Growth:

Population reaches a

“balance” with carrying capacity, with minor fluctuations

around it.

More Complex:

Between the other two, and most

common. Population fluctuates above and below carrying

capacity, but not nearly as extreme as seen with “Boom-

or-Bust” populations.

GENERALIST

An organism that tends to have wide zones of

tolerance.

SPECIALIST

: An organism that tends to have narrow zones of

tolerance

HOME RANGE:

The area

encompassed in normal

daily activities.

TERRITORY

: That

portion of the home

range that is defended,

especially against

conspecifics.

Mutualism

Gains+gains

Commensalism

Gains - is unaffected

Altruism

When an organism puts itself in danger (possibly reduces its

reproductive potential) to benefit another organism.

Can you list several examples of

differences between

“r”

versus

“K”

strategists???

K: Organisms:

• larger, long lived

• produce fewer offspring

• provide greater care for offspring

r:

• smaller, short lived

• produce many offspring

• provide no care for offspring

What are the 3 main types of biodiversity?

Genetics, Species, Community/Ecosystem