Chapter 43
We talked about ecology at many levels. At the organismal level we are most concerned with the way in which an individual organism can respond to its environment. Organisms respond to their environment in 3 main ways. What are they?
Anatomical response, physiological response, behavioral response
What are disturbances? Be able to give some examples.
Droughts, fires, floods, hurricanes, or by herbivore predation
What % of earth does fresh water cover?
Less than 1%
What does TFR stand for and what is it?
Total fertility rate, the average number of live births a female has in her lifetime
Know the difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition.
Intraspecific: between organisms of the same species, interspecific: between organisms of different species.
What is the definition of an ecosystem?
Ecosystem: community of species in a given area
There are two major classes of aquatic biomes that are divided based on their salt content. What are they?
Freshwater: 1%, aquatic: 3%
How have humans influenced the water cycle?
Hydroelectric dams, tapping aquifers, deforestation
In order to help fight back against their predators, we talked about many adaptations that pray species have gained to help reduce predation. What are they?
Chemical and mechanical defenses, camouflage, mimicry, amor and weaponry, displays of intimidation
How does an ecosystem differ from a community?
In a marine biome, What is the photic zone?
The area near shore where light can still pass through so that photosynthesis can still occur
What is the other name for the global water cycle?
Hydrological cycle
Interactions between species can be defined by the effect on the populations concerned. Be able to name and identify the + or – interactions between species.
Competition (-/-)
mutualism (+/+)
Predation (-/+)
Energy flows ________ a system, while chemicals are recycled _________________ it.
Through, between/within
How deep is the photic zone in the ocean?
Extends down 200 meters
What are the 4 main human caused factors to the loss of biodiversity?
Habitat destruction, over exploitation, deforestation, pollution
Define population
A group of interbreeding individuals occupying an area at the same time
What is the ultimate source of energy for almost all life on earth?
Sunlight
What is a biome? And what are they characterized by in both aquatic (water) and terrestrial (land) areas?
Biome: a major type of habitat characterized by plant and animal life
What are the 3 main biogeochemical cycles we discussed? For each one, be able to tell what the abiotic reservoir is.
Nitrogen, the atmosphere and soil
carbon, the atmosphere
phosphorus, sedimentary rocks