Ecological Communities and Energy Flow

Ecological Communities and Energy Flow

1. Explain the difference between different types of competition (intra- vs inter-specific, interference vs exploitation)

• Intraspecific competition: competition between individuals of the same species.

• Interspecific competition: competition between individuals of different species.

• Interference competition: when one species actively prevents another from accessing a resource.

• Exploitation competition: when species compete indirectly for resources that are in limited supply.

1. Discuss the relationships between predators and prey, parasites and hosts and how feeding relationships determine abundance of organisms. Be familiar with different strategies (e.g. prey switching, adaptations, camouflage).

Predator-prey relationships involve one species consuming another for food.Prey have developed adaptations such as camouflage or mimicry to avoid being caught, while predators have developed strategies like hunting in packs or using venom to capture their prey. Parasites feed off their hosts without killing them, while hosts have developed immune systems to fight off parasites. Feeding relationships determine the abundance of organisms, as predators can limit the number of prey and parasites can weaken their hosts.

3.Describe the flow of energy through ecological communities and the classification of organism based on food source. What is the relationship between trophic level and biomass energy?

Energy flows through ecological communities from producers (plants) to herbivores (primary consumers) to carnivores (secondary consumers) to top predators (tertiary consumers). The trophic level refers to the position of an organism in this food chain. Biomass energy decreases as you move up the trophic levels because energy is lost at each level through respiration and waste

4. What are symbiotic relationships? How does mutualism differ from commensalism? Parasitism?

Symbiotic relationships involve two species living in close association with each other. Mutualism is a type of symbiosis where both species benefit, commensalism is where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed, and parasitism is where one species benefits at the expense of the other.

5. Describe the carbon cycle – how does CO2 cycle between the spheres (photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion)? What impact have humans had on the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle involves the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. Carbon enters the atmosphere through respiration and combustion, and is removed through photosynthesis and absorption by the oceans. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation have increased the amount of carbon in the

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Biodiversity

1. What is biodiversity? How is it measured? Describe 3 different levels of biodiversity & the influencing factors. What role does disturbance play in biodiversity? How are disturbances similar to herbivores? Explain the importance of biodiversity.

What is biodiversity?, :Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms within an ecosystem, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

How is it measured? It is measured through species richness, which is the total number of species present in a given area, and species evenness, which measures the relative abundance of each species

Describe 3 different levels of biodiversity & the influencing factors:There are three levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, which refers to the variation of genes within a species; species diversity, which refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem; and ecosystem diversity, which refers to the variety of ecosystems within a region. The influencing factors of biodiversity include climate, habitat fragmentation, land use change, pollution, and invasive species

What role does disturbance play in biodiversity? Disturbance plays a crucial role in biodiversity by creating opportunities for new species to colonize a habitat and by reducing competition among existing species.

How are disturbances similar to herbivores? Disturbances can be similar to herbivores in that they both alter the composition of plant communities

Explain the importance of biodiversity.Biodiversity is important for many reasons, including its role in maintaining ecosystem services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation, and its potential for use in medicine, agriculture, and industry.

1. What is the equilibrium theory of island biogeography? Discuss the 2 factors that contribute to species diversity on an island. Why is this theory important for conservation efforts and in relation to extinction?

What is the equilibrium theory of island biogeography?

**What is the equilibrium theory of island biogeography?**The equilibrium theory of island biogeography suggests that the number of species on an island is determined by two factors: immigration, which increases the number of species, and extinction, which decreases it.

Discuss the 2 factors that contribute to species diversity on an island:immigration, which increases the number of species, and extinction, which decreases it.

Why is this theory important for conservation efforts and in relation to extinction?

This theory is important for conservation efforts because it highlights the importance of preserving large, connected habitats that can support a diverse range of species.

1. What are endemic species? How does the number of endemic species influence classification as a biodiversity hotspot? What else factors into this classification?

What are endemic species? Endemic species are those that are found only in a particular geographic area.

**How does the number of endemic species influence classification as a biodiversity hotspot?**The number of endemic species influences classification as a biodiversity hotspot because these areas are considered to be of high conservation priority due to their high levels of unique and threatened species

**What else factors into this classification?**Other factors that contribute to this classification include high species richness, high endemism, and high levels of habitat loss.

1. What are the 7 key threats to biodiversity? The greatest? What are strategies and policies for conservation?

**What are the 7 key threats to biodiversity?**The seven key threats to biodiversity are habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation, climate change, disease, and habitat fragmentation

**The greatest?**Habitat loss is considered the greatest threat to biodiversity, as it reduces the amount of suitable habitat available for species and increases the likelihood of extinction.

What are strategies and policies for conservation? Strategies and policies for conservation include protected area designation, habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and sustainable resource management practices. Additionally, international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Endangered Species Act provide legal frameworks for protecting biodiversity at a global and national level.

Climate Change

Climate Change

1. Describe the Earth’s energy budget. Is it always balanced?

Describe the Earth’s energy budget The Earth's energy budget refers to the balance between the amount of incoming solar radiation and the amount of outgoing radiation that is reflected and radiated back into space

Is it always balanced?

The Earth's energy budget is not always balanced since the amount of incoming solar radiation can vary due to factors such as the Earth's orbit around the sun, changes in the sun's energy output, and volcanic activity

1. What are techniques for reconstructing climate in the past? How do we know when climate change has occurred? How are recent climate changes indicated?

What are techniques for reconstructing climate in the past?analyzing ice cores, tree rings, sediment layers, and fossil records

How do we know when climate change has occurred? How are recent climate changes indicated?

These records can provide information on past temperatures, atmospheric composition, and precipitation patterns.

3. What are natural causes for climate change/variation? Describe climate during the Pleistocene (Milankovitch cycles).

What are natural causes for climate change/variation?changes in solar radiation, volcanic activity, and changes in the Earth's orbit

. Describe climate during the Pleistocene (Milankovitch cycles)

.The Pleistocene era was characterized by a series of glacial and interglacial periods that were driven by changes in the Earth's orbit, known as Milankovitch cycles.

4.. What are human causes of climate change? Identify and describe the impact of events throughout human history as related to climate change.

What are human causes of climate change? Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture have contributed to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

Identify and describe the impact of events throughout human history as related to climate change.

Throughout human history, events such as the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of agriculture have had a significant impact on the Earth's climate.

5.. What are greenhouse gases - natural and synthetic? Which are most abundant? Which contribute to global warming? What role does black carbon play in global warming?

What are greenhouse gases Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming.Some natural greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone

- natural and synthetic?Synthetic greenhouse gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have also been created by human activities.

Which are most abundant? Carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas and the primary contributor to global warming.

Which contribute to global warming?Carbon dioxide

What role does black carbon play in global warming? Black carbon, which is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass, also contributes to global warming.

6. Discuss the scientific evidence supporting climate change due to human activity (include Keeling curve in your explanation).

Multiple lines of scientific evidence support the theory that human activity is contributing to climate change. One example is the Keeling Curve, which shows a steady increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations since the 1950s. Other evidence includes changes in temperature patterns, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels.

7. What difference do we see in developed vs developing regions regarding contributing factors to climate change?

Developed regions tend to have higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions per capita due to factors such as industrialization and high levels of consumption. Developing regions may contribute to climate change through deforestation and agricultural practices. However, developed regions also have a responsibility to support developing regions in transitioning to more sustainable practices to address global climate change.

9. What are the consequences of climate change? Discuss adaptation and mitigation strategies. How does this differ between humans and non-human animals?

What are the consequences of climate change? rising global temperatures, sea level rise, increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and changes in precipitation patterns These consequences can have significant impacts on human societies, including food and water insecurity, displacement, and health risks.

Discuss adaptation and mitigation strategies.Adaptation strategies involve adjusting to the impacts of climate change, such as building sea walls to protect against rising sea levels or shifting agricultural practices to adapt to changing precipitation patterns. Mitigation strategies, on the other hand, aim to reduce the causes of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transitioning to renewable energy sources or implementing carbon capture technologies.

How does this differ between humans and non-human animals?

For non-human animals, adaptation strategies may involve shifting habitat ranges or altering breeding cycles to adapt to changing environmental conditions. However, many species may not be able to adapt quickly enough to keep pace with the rapid changes brought on by climate change, leading to declines in populations and even extinction.

Overall, while both humans and non-human animals can use adaptation strategies to cope with the impacts of climate change, mitigation strategies that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for protecting both human and non-human communities from the worst consequences of climate change.

Energy

Energy

1. Describe the general history of energy consumption.

The use of energy dates back to prehistoric times when humans used wood, animal waste, and other organic materials for heating, cooking, and lighting. However, the widespread use of energy began during the Industrial Revolution when steam engines were used to power machinery in factories. Since then, energy consumption has continued to increase with the advent of new technologies and a growing population.

1. What is the difference between primary vs secondary energy sources? Be familiar with key concepts regarding energy production and consumption. How has on reliance on primary energy sources changed since the Industrial Revolution?

What is the difference between primary vs secondary energy sources?Primary energy sources are those that occur naturally and are not derived from other forms of energy. Examples include fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power. Secondary energy sources, on the other hand, are derived from primary sources through various conversion processes. Examples include electricity and gasoline.

1. How has on reliance on primary energy sources changed since the Industrial Revolution?

Since the Industrial Revolution, there has been a significant reliance on primary energy sources, particularly fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This has led to significant environmental and health impacts, including air and water pollution, climate change, and public health issues. However, in recent years, there has been a growing focus on transitioning to more sustainable and renewable sources of energy.

4. Describe the difference between non-renewable and renewable energy sources. Identify the different types in each category. Explain the formation of fossil fuels and how this contributes to their classification as non-renewable.

Describe the difference between non-renewable and renewable energy sources.Non-renewable energy sources are those that are finite and will eventually run out, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Renewable energy sources, on the other hand, are those that are replenished naturally and are considered inexhaustible, such as solar, wind, and hydro power.

Identify the different types in each category.

non-renewable fossil fuels and nuclear energy

renewable energy uch as solar, wind, and hydro power.

Explain the formation of fossil fuels and how this contributes to their classification as non-renewable Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. These remains were buried under layers of sediment and subject to heat and pressure over time, resulting in the transformation of their organic matter into fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.The process of fossil fuel formation is slow and takes millions of years, which is why they are classified as non-renewable resources. Once they are used up, they cannot be replaced within a human lifespan. This is in contrast to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, which can be replenished over relatively short periods of time.

5. Explain the environmental concerns for each of the non-renewables.

Environmental concerns for non-renewable sources: Non-renewable sources of energy have significant environmental concerns associated with them. For example, the extraction and burning of fossil fuels lead to air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Additionally, nuclear energy has its own set of environmental concerns, including the production of radioactive waste and the potential for nuclear accidents.

6. What are the general challenges as we transition to renewable energy? Know the different types of renewable resources -advantages and disadvantages of each. Which renewables are most prevalent in the U.S?

What are the general challenges as we transition to renewable energy?One of the biggest challenges in transitioning to renewable energy is the initial cost of investment. Building renewable energy infrastructure can be expensive, particularly in the short term.Additionally, the intermittency of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can make it difficult to rely on them for consistent energy production. Finally, there is a need for significant policy changes and investment in research and development to support the transition to renewable energy.

Know the different types of renewable resources -advantages and disadvantages of each.

Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Solar power is abundant, widely available, and emits no greenhouse gases. However, it can be expensive and requires significant land use. Wind power is also abundant, but its intermittency can make it difficult to rely on as a consistent source of energy. Hydro power is reliable and emits no greenhouse gases, but it can have significant impacts on ecosystems and water quality. Geothermal energy is reliable and can be used for both heating and cooling, but it is limited to certain geographic areas. Biomass can be used as a fuel source and is abundant, but it can also have negative impacts on ecosystems and contribute to deforestation.

Which renewables are most prevalent in the U.S?Currently, the most prevalent renewable energy sources in the U.S. are wind and solar power. However, hydro power and biofuels also contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy mix.