Classification
genetic
species
ecosystem
What are the levels of biodiversity
One organism kills and consumes another.
What is predation?
The sun
What is the main energy source for ecosystems?
the role and position of a species in its ecosystem
What is an ecological niche?
Habitat destruction
Name the major effect that creating agricultural areas has on ecosystems
New molecular, genetic and evolutionary evidence becomes available.
why are classification systems updated
Mutualism benefits both; parasitism benefits one and harms the other.
Energy is lost between trophic levels
Why do biomass pyramids decrease at higher trophic levels?
Maximum sustainable population size that the ecosystem can support
What is carrying capacity?
Toxin concentrations increase at higher trophic levels.
What is biomagnification?
Closely related organisms share a more recent common ancestor.
How does classification reflect evolutionary relationships?
Two species cannot occupy the same niche indefinitely.
State the competitive exclusion principle
Photosynthesis removes atmospheric CO2
Describe a process in the carbon cycle involving plants
A species with a disproportionately large effect on the ecosystem
What is a keystone species?
preserve plant genetic biodiversity
What is the role of a seed bank?
A bird looks similar to another species but DNA evidence differs. Which evidence is stronger and why?
DNA evidence because it better reflects evolutionary relationships.
As it can be spread between individuals when they are crowded and it can reduce survival and reproduction
Why is disease a density-dependent factor?
A food web does not show energy quantity transferred
Give a limitation of a food web in terms of energy transfer
Gradual community changes over time
What is ecological succession
A technique that allows monitoring of habitat and population changes
How is satellite sensing used in conservation?
Does not apply well to asexual organisms or some hybridising species.
What are some problems with the species concept?
Trophic cascades, prey increases and biodiversity changes.
What happens if you remove an apex predator?
Producers increase; some predators decrease
major ecosystem disruption and biodiversity loss
What is the impact of losing a keystone species?
This strategy can help, but ecosystem-wide approaches are more beneficial
Evaluate conserving a single species (keystone, flagship species) as a strategy