Ecosystems and Energy transfer

What is a habitat?

A habitat is the place where an organism lives.

What is a microhabitat?

A small habitat, often considered in ecological studies.

What are habitat specialists?

Species that can only survive in specific habitats.

What are generalists in ecology?

Species that can survive in a range of habitats; more likely to invade new habitats.

What are invasive species?

Non-native species that can disrupt ecosystem interactions and cause problems.

What defines a population in ecology?

All individuals of one species living in a habitat.

What does population size indicate?

The abundance of a species.

What is species distribution?

The exact location of a population within its habitat.

What is a community in ecology?

A community consists of multiple populations living and interacting in the same area.

What composes an ecosystem?

A community and its interactions with the non-living parts of its habitat.

What are the components of an ecosystem?

Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

What is energy flow in an ecosystem?

The transfer of energy through different trophic levels.

What are biotic factors?

Living factors that influence abundance and distribution in an ecosystem.

What is predation?

An interaction where one organism consumes another.

What influences food availability in ecosystems?

It determines survival and reproductive success of species.

What is intraspecific competition?

Competition among individuals of the same species for resources.

What is interspecific competition?

Competition among individuals of different species.

What is cooperation in ecology?

Mutual assistance between organisms.

What is parasitism?

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

What impact does disease have on populations?

Pathogens can significantly affect population sizes.

What abiotic factors affect ecosystems?

Non-living factors like light, temperature, and soil pH.

How does light intensity affect ecosystems?

It is essential for photosynthesis and plant growth.

What is turbidity in an ecosystem?

Cloudiness of water, which could impact aquatic life.

How does humidity affect ecosystems?

It affects plant turgor and transpiration.

How does salinity affect ecosystems?

It affects osmoregulation in aquatic life.

How do oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations affect ecosystems?

They are vital for respiration and photosynthesis, respectively.

What is a niche?

The role of a species in its habitat, including what it eats and who depends on it.

What is the competitive exclusion principle?

No two species can occupy the same niche simultaneously; one will outcompete the other.

What is primary succession?

The process of ecological change on newly formed or exposed land.

What are pioneer species?

First species to colonize an area during primary succession.

What is secondary succession?

Succession occurring on previously occupied land where soil exists.

What is a climax community?

A stable ecosystem that represents the final stage of ecological succession, where populations of plants and animals remain in balance with each other and their environment.

What types of sampling methods are commonly used?

Random Sampling, Systematic Sampling, and Transects.

What is the role of quadrats in ecological studies?

Square frames used to estimate species abundance and distribution; their size varies according to the species studied.

What are Frame Quadrats?

Used for various sizes of organisms; can provide data on presence, frequency, abundance, and percentage cover.

What are Point Quadrats?

Vertical frames with pins for measuring contact with species in denser areas.

What are kite diagrams used for?

Visual representation of species distribution and abundance; can also incorporate abiotic factor changes across transects.

What is Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

Rate at which energy is stored as biomass by producers minus losses due to respiration (R).

How is NPP calculated?

NPP = GPP - R, where GPP is Gross Primary Productivity and R is respiration losses.

What is Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)?

The total rate at which solar energy is converted into organic compounds via photosynthesis by producers.

What is respiration (R) in the context of NPP?

The process by which organisms convert organic compounds into energy, releasing carbon dioxide.