Abiotic/biotic factors
What is an abiotic factor?
An abiotic factor is a non-living part of an ecosystem that shapes its environment.
List the levels of ecological organization from smallest to largest.
Species (Individual organism)
Population
Community
Ecosystem
Biome
Biosphere
What is an ecosystem?
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
What is a human impact?
Human impact on the environment refers to changes to biophysical environments and to ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources caused directly or indirectly by humans.
Coral reefs are what
Coral reefs are as fragile as they are beautiful.
What is a biotic factor?
A biotic factor is a living organism that shapes its environment.
Name as many biomes as you can that we studied in this class.
Tropical rain forest, deciduous forest, taiga, desert, savanna (grassland), tundra, freshwater, saltwater
What is an ecosystem made of?
Ecosystems contain biotic or living, parts, as well as abiotic factors, or nonliving parts.
What are some examples of human impacts?
Overpopulation, pollution, deforestation, and burning fossil fuels.
About how many of Earth's species live in tropical rainforests?
About half.
What are some examples of biotic factors?
Aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, and algae. Any plants animals or living things.
What determines a biome?
Temperature range, soil type, and the amount of light and water.
What types of ecosystems exist in a deciduous forest?
forests, lakes, rivers, streams
What is the rate of human impacts on the environment?
75% of Earth's land mass has been altered by humans.
Communities are...
All the populations of living organisms living in the same place at the same time
What are some examples of abiotic factors?
Temperature, light, wind, and water.
List some tundras that we know of
Alaska and Canada, Antarctica, the ice caps of the Arctic, and the tops of mountains.
Name plants and animals you might find in taiga ecosystems?
Plants: Coniferous trees like firs, spruce, pine
Animals: Caribou, snowshoe hare, birds, squirrels
What is deforestation?
The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
What are the three broad terms for ecosystems?
Marine, freshwater, and terrestrial.
What is the source of all energy on the planet?
The sun
List some aquatic biomes
Lakes and ponds, rivers and sea, oceans, and wetlands.
Why are ecosystems important?
Healthy ecosystems are vital for human health and survival, as they provide us with essential products and benefits.
What are fossil fuels?
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
Draw a food chain that shows the flow of energy from the source to a tertiary consumer.
Answers will vary.