All Flashcards
Define ecosystem.
A specific place where living (biotic) things interact with non-living (abiotic) things.
Define biotic.
Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and bacteria.
Define abiotic.
Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as rocks, soil, air, and water.
Define biosphere.
All the ecosystems combined on Earth.
Define terrestrial ecosystem.
Land-based ecosystems, such as forests and grasslands.
Define aquatic ecosystem.
Water-based ecosystems, such as oceans and lakes.
Define niche.
The role a species plays in its ecosystem.
Define keystone species.
A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem, relative to its abundance.
Define ecosystem engineers.
Keystone species that create or modify habitats.
Define resource partitioning.
Species divide resources to coexist.
What is the effect of increased sea urchin populations on kelp forests?
Increased sea urchin populations lead to the destruction of kelp forests, impacting other species.
How can the removal of a keystone predator affect an ecosystem?
It can lead to a trophic cascade, causing significant changes in the populations of other species.
What is the effect of competition on species evolution?
Natural selection favors species that are better at accessing resources, leading to evolutionary changes.
How do elephants modify their environment?
Elephants create watering holes and clear vegetation, helping other species.
What are the consequences of climate change on ecosystems?
Climate change can alter ecosystem stability and resilience, leading to shifts in species distribution and abundance.
Define 'Ecosystem'.
A specific place where living (biotic) things interact with non-living (abiotic) things.
What are 'Biotic' factors?
Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and bacteria.
What are 'Abiotic' factors?
Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as rocks, soil, air, and water.
Define 'Biosphere'.
All the ecosystems on Earth combined.
Define 'Niche'.
The role a species plays in its ecosystem.
Define 'Keystone Species'.
A species with a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem, relative to its abundance.
What are 'Ecosystem Engineers'?
Keystone species that create or modify habitats.
Define 'Mutualism'.
A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit (+/+).
Define 'Commensalism'.
A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is unaffected (+/0).
Define 'Parasitism'.
A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is harmed (+/-).