Ecosystem Basics
Define the term "ecosystem."
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment.
What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?
Biotic factors are living, while abiotic factors are non-living.
How does acid rain affect forest ecosystems?
Acid rain can damage leaves, leach nutrients from soil, and acidify water bodies.
How do disturbances, like wildfires, shape ecosystem structure and function?
Wildfires can create disturbance-adapted species, promote nutrient cycling, and shape community structure.
What are structural adaptations? Give an example.
Structural adaptations are physical features that help organisms survive.
What is a food web?
A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.
How does temperature affect plant growth?
Temperature affects plant growth by influencing metabolic rates and enzyme activity.
Explain the greenhouse effect and its impact on climate change.
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming.
Discuss the role of keystone species in maintaining ecosystem stability.
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance and structure.
How do animals adapt to extreme cold?
Animals in cold environments may have thick fur, blubber, or hibernation.
Explain the concept of a food chain.
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where energy is transferred from one organism to the next.
Explain the importance of water in an ecosystem.
Water is essential for photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation.
What are the potential consequences of introducing invasive species into an ecosystem?
Invasive species can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause economic damage.
What is the concept of ecological resilience and how can it be enhanced?
Ecological resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances. It can be enhanced through biodiversity conservation and sustainable management practices.
What are behavioral adaptations? Give an example.
Behavioral adaptations are behaviors that help organisms survive.
Describe the role of decomposers in an ecosystem.
Decomposers break down dead organisms and organic waste, returning nutrients to the soil.
How does soil quality influence plant growth?
Soil quality affects plant growth by providing nutrients, water retention, and support.
How does climate change impact biodiversity and ecosystem services?
Climate change can alter habitat ranges, disrupt food chains, and increase extinction rates.
How does succession differ in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems?
Aquatic succession involves changes in water bodies, while terrestrial succession involves changes on land.
How do plants adapt to dry environments?
Plants in dry environments may have deep roots, waxy cuticles, or water storage tissues.
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Biotic factor and abiotic factors.
What is the impact of light intensity on photosynthesis?
Light intensity affects photosynthesis by providing the energy needed to convert light energy into chemical energy.
What is eutrophication and how does it impact aquatic ecosystems?
Eutrophication is the excessive nutrient enrichment of water bodies, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
Explain the concept of trophic cascades.
Trophic cascades occur when changes in one trophic level affect other levels in a food web.
How do organisms in extreme environments, such as hydrothermal vents, obtain energy?
Organisms in extreme environments, such as hydrothermal vents, often rely on chemosynthesis for energy.