Ecology Exam Notes

Ecology: Study of relationships between organisms and their environment.
Ecosystem: Community of living organisms interacting in a specific environment.
Species: Organisms that can reproduce with each other, producing viable offspring.
Population: Group of the same species in the same area.
Community: Group of different species in the same area.
Biosphere: Includes (1) lithosphere, (2) atmosphere, and (3) hydrosphere.
Atmosphere: Primarily nitrogen and oxygen; also contains carbon dioxide.
Hydrosphere: All water on Earth's surface.
Lithosphere: Solid, outer part of Earth (crust and upper mantle).
Abiotic Factor: Non-living part of an ecosystem.
Biotic Factor: Living organism that shapes the environment.
Niche: An organism's lifestyle, including habitat and diet.

Ultimate Energy Source: The sun.
Producer: Organism that creates its own energy (autotroph), mainly through photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis (Word Equation): Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
Cellular Respiration (Word Equation): Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy

Trophic Level 1 – Plant (Producer)

Trophic Level 2 – Grasshopper (Primary Consumer)

Trophic Level 3 – Spider (Secondary Consumer)

Trophic Level 4 – Shrew (Tertiary Consumer)

Trophic Level 5 – Weasel (Quaternary Consumer)

Trophic Level 6 – Owl (Quinary Consumer)

Trophic Level 7 – Hawk ( Apex Predator)

Human Impacts:
- Deforestation: Reduces transpiration, affecting rainfall.
- Urbanization: Increases runoff, reduces infiltration.

Key Processes: Photosynthesis and Respiration.
Human Impacts: Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Human Impacts:
- Increased nitrous oxide from farming.
- Groundwater contamination from fertilizers.
- Nitrogen release from deforestation.