Energy & Ecosystems Nutrient Cycles Water & Soil Populations Sustainability
What is an ecosystem?
Includes all organisms in an area that interact with each other and with their environment of E (energy) and matter.
A secondary consumer would be in which trophic level?
Third trophic level
How does ecological niche compare to habitat?
Habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species of animal, plant, or other type of organism. A place where a living thing lives is its habitat. It is a place where it can find food, shelter, protection and mates for reproduction. A Niche is a term with a variety of meanings related to the behaviour of a species living under specific environmental conditions. The ecological niche describes how an organism or population responds to the distribution of resources and competitors and how it in turn alters those same factors.
Where does the energy go? How much energy is passed along from organisms in one trophic level to the one above it once those organisms are consumed?
E transfer it is not 100%. 100KJ of E in and only 10KJ will be used effectively by the tissues. The amount of E transferred from one level to the next varies from 5-20% with 10% being a good average. Where does the rest go??? 30KJ thermal E to environment, 60KJ as waste
Why is it that a farm that produces plants will be able to support a larger population of humans then a farm that produces plants and animals How does this relate to marine ecosystems and meeting the needs of humans.
In the long cycle involving phosphorous what ion is important?
Phosphate ion PO 4 3-
How is it that the earth can be considered an open and a closed system at the same time?
The earth is closed in terms of nutrients however it is open in terms of energy coming in from the sun.
What is the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis? What is the name of the structure where this process takes place?
6CO 2 + 6H 2 O + E C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 Chloroplast
Atmospheric nitrogen (N 2 ) can not be used by plants or animals. To be used by plants it must be changed to nitrates (NO 3 - ). How does this occur ?
Nitrogen Fixation usually by bacteria
How can fertilizer run off affect aquatic ecosytems?
Algal Bloom N and P cause more algae to be created Bacteria use O to break it down No O for aquatic plants and animals
Identify two soil nutrients that are affected by percolation When there is acid deposition, these nutrients will leach deeper into the soil layers creating soil that is nutrient depleted.
K = Potassium Ca = Calcium Mg = Magnesium NH 4 + = Ammonium
When coal is burned what two harmful products are released? These substances are released into the atmosphere and can lead to acid precipitation.
SO 2 & NO x
What factors contribute to the pH of soil?
pH of the rain that is falling and the nature of the rock from which the soil was formed. CaCO 3 can help to neutralize acid deposition
Soil can be affected by a variety of factors. Explain how two of the following exhibit their effects on soil: urban sprawl crop rotation soil erosion
Urban Sprawl - the expansion of human populations away from central urban areas into low-density, monofunctional and usually car-dependent communities. Crop Rotation - is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar/different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. Soil Erosion - is a naturally occurring process that affects all landforms. In agriculture, soil erosion refers to the wearing away of a field's topsoil by the natural physical forces of water and wind or through forces associated with farming activities such as tillage.
In terms of aquatic ecosystems what is dissolved oxygen? What can affect this and why is that of importance?
Dissolved oxygen refers to the level of free, non-compound oxygen present in water or other liquids. It is an important parameter in assessing water quality because of its influence on the organisms living within a body of water.
How does biotic potential compare to carrying capacity?
Biotic Potential Maximum number of offspring that a species could produce if resources were unlimited. Carrying Capacity Maximum number of individuals of a species supported indefinitely by an ecosystem.
What is the difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition? Provide examples of each
Intraspecific Competition – same species Interspecific Competition – different species
Frogs are considered a bioindicator. What does that mean?
Frog populations can indicate whether an ecosystem is safe or not.
How do density dependent and density independent factors compare to each other?
Density dependent factors – aggression, neglect of offspring will decrease birth rate and increase death rate. Density independent factors – fire, flood, extreme weather
What two factors contribute to an increase in a population? What two factors contribute to a decrease in population?
Changes to populations Growth = natality (birth rate); immigration Decline = mortality (death rate); emigration
What is sustainable development?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
In terms of pollutants, how does a point source pollutant differ from a non-point source pollutant?
Point source pollution is any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe. Non-point source pollution does not come from a specific source. Instead, it originates from many places, or from a widespread area.
Select one invasive species and discuss potential economic, environmental and social consequences. Why are invasive species important to know about?
Open ended
What is environmental stewardship?
Environmental stewardship refers to responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
Why is a farmer concerned about fertilizing fields for nitrogen and phosphorous however not concerned about adding carbon or energy?
Carbon and energy are absorbed by the plants through photosynthesis