Intro to Ecology
Abiotic vs Biotic
two examples for each
Abiotic - nonliving; sunlight, temp, rainfall, etc
biotic - living; plants, animals
Habitat vs Niche
habitat - where an organism lives
niche - organisms role in its ecosystem
The number of organisms per unit area
population density
Where did Mr. Trent go to college?
Clemson
What type of succession starts with soil?
primary
If the biodiversity of an ecosystem decreases, what happens to its stability?
This ecosystem would not be _____________.
decreases
resilient
Levels of ecological organization in order (all or nothing).
Individual --> population --> community --> ecosystem --> biome --> biosphere
In predator prey relationships, when the number of prey decreases, the number of predators
also decreases
Dispersion is a spacing pattern. What 3 patterns did we look at?
clumped, uniform, random
What is the universal blood donor type?
O negative
An ecosystem that fluctuates at a predictable rate is considered to be stable. If the ecosystem has the ability to bounce back from a disturbance event quickly, it is considered ________________.
resiliant
Ammonia -> nitrites and nitrates is known as?
nitrification
What are the three types of biodiversity?
species
ecosystem
genetic
What is the fifth trophic level called and why do we rarely go past it?
quaternary consumer; energy transfer is inefficient
No two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time
competitive exclusion principle
Differentiate between density independent and density dependent limiting factors and provide one example of each.
Independent - does not depend on number of members; natural disaster
Dependent - depends on number of members; disease
Where is Area 51 located?
Provide two examples of pioneer species; what is their function during primary succession?
lichen and moss; break down rocks/weathering to make soil
What is eutrophication?
build up of algae on a body of water as phosphorus and nitrogen is deposited into the water
What are the three categories of ecological pyramids and what do they show?
Energy Pyramid - energy available at each trophic level
Biomass Pyramid - amount of living tissue at each trophic level
Pyramid of Numbers - number of individuals at each trophic level
Explain how an otter is a keystone species.
Exponential is a __ shaped curve and logistic is a ____ shaped curve. Logistic growth models reach a maximum known as ______________.
J; S; carrying capacity
What is the highest grossing movie of 2025 (so far)?
Zootopia 2
Describe a climax community
Answers vary.
Name the four reactions of carbon cycle.
combustion
decomposition
photosynthesis
cellular respiration
Differentiate between biomagnification and bioaccumulation.
answers vary
Differentiate between decomposers and detritivores
Decomposers chemically break down organic matter, detritivores physically consume dead organic matter
Define the three types of symbiotic relationships and provide examples of each.
parasitism: +/-
commensalism: +/0
mutualism: +/+
The United States has birth rate 14.1 (1000), death rate 8.3 (per 1000), and migration rate 2.9 (per 1000). What is the PGR for the United States?
.87%
How many FIFA world cup titles do the US women have?
4
Why is a climax community rarely achieved?
Another disturbance event happens.
Describe the greenhouse effect and how humans are impacting it.
answers vary
Describe habitat fragmentation and Edge effects.
Answers vary.