Chapter 3
Define the autotroph
An organism that makes its own food (organic matter) using light or chemical energy. (Photosynthesis and Chemosynthesis)
Name 3 biogeochemical cycles
Nitrogen Cycle (nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria) Carbon Cycle Water Cycle Phosphorus Cycle
Explain the Competitive Exclusion Principle
Only one species can fill a specific niche in any ecosystem. When there is competition for a niche, one species will be better adapted than the other.
Outline the difference between the TWO types of Ecological Succession
Primary - begins with no organic matter (lava, bare rock) Secondary - begins from organic matter (soil, ashes)
What is a limiting nutrient?
An essential nutrient that is in lowest supply in an ecosystem.
Why are decomposers essential to any ecosystem?
The break down complex organic matter into simple nutrients that can be used by autotrophs.
Define Photic Zone Aphotic Zone Benthic Zone
Photic: Receives light, top 200m of ocean Aphotic: Receives no light, deeper than 200m Benthic: Seabed of both Photic and Aphotic Zones
Identify the type of organisms you would expect to find in these Marine regions: Intertidal Zone Coastal Ocean Open Ocean
Intertidal: Crabs, muscles, anemones Coastal: Kelp, coral, herring, sardines Open: Whales, dolphins, jellyfish, krill
Name THREE abiotic factors in an ecosystem
Air, Temperature, Water, Precipitation, Rock, Lightning, Wind, Lava, Geysers,
Identify the TWO types of bacteria that are essential parts of the Nitrogen cycle. What function does each perform
Nitrifying - Use N2 to build nitrates and nitrites that legumes use to build plant proteins. Denitrifying - Break down urea, nitrates and nitrites into N2
What is a Keystone Species?
A species that significantly affects an entire ecosystem. Its removal will cause the entire ecosystem to change. (Wolves in Yellowstone)
Describe the difference between an organism's Niche and its Habitat
A niche is the role an organism fulfills within an ecosystem (food chain, interactions). A habitat is the physical area where an organism lives.
Name THREE types of Heterotrophs
Herbivores, Omnivores, Carnivores, Detritivores, Decomposers
Define Estuary. Give one example of an estuary in New York State
Area or a river where salt water mixes with fresh water at high tide. Example-Hudson River Estuary
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of Tropical, Desert, and Savanna ecosystems
Tropical: Warm year round, High levels of rainfall, canopy, understory, humus. Desert: Low levels of rainfall, little organic matter, reptiles and cacti. Savanna: Warm year round, seasonal rains, grasses and migrations.
Identify TWO methods autotrophs use to make energy from inorganic compounds
Photosynthesis (Sunlight to organic chemical energy) Chemosynthesis (Inorganic chemical energy to organic chemical energy)
Define: Weather, Climate and Microclimate
Weather - the current conditions of temp, precipitation, wind. Climate - the average temp and precipitation in a region over time. Microclimate - a small area that has a distinctively different climate than its surroundi
Identify the THREE types of Symbiotic Relationships
Parasitism - one benefits the other is harmed Mutualism - both benefit Commensalism - one benefits, the other is not affected.