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Biology - Ecosystems
Ecological systemsBiosphere
Atmosphere
Lithosphere
Hydrosphere
Ecosphere
Biomes
Ecosystems with similar abiotic factors
Biomes 2 Canada
AustraliaDry arid Temperate forest Temperate reef
Ecosystems
HabitatParticular area in which a population lives
Abiotic factor Non living factors eg temperature, rainfall
PopulationAll the organisms from one species in an ecosystem
CommunityAll the organisms in an ecosystem
Environment All the abiotic factors
Biotic factorLiving factors eg predation, competition
Ecosystem is a term that describes ecological systems consisting of interacting organisms and their physical environment
Microhabitats Smaller areas within a habitat with slightly different conditions
Ecological termsAutotroph makes own food (either by photosynthesis or chemosynthesis) = producerHeterotroph eats other organismsProducer makes own food (either by photosynthesis or chemosynthesis) = autotrophConsumer eats other organismsDecomposer feeds of wastes or dead animals = detrivoreDetrivore feeds of wastes or dead animals = decomposerDetritus wastes or dead matterFirst order consumer eats producersSecond order consumer eats 1st order consumers
Respiration manufacture of energy by burning organic compounds eg glucosePhotosynthesismanufacture of organic compounds eg glucose using the energy of the sunChemical energyEnergy gained from chemical reactions eg respirationThermal energyHeat energySolar energyEnergy from the sunTrophic level location on food chain eg producer
NicheDescription of an organism’s role and or location within an ecosystem
Eg the fox can be described as 2nd order consumer or forest floor dweller
Food chains
• Arrows show movement of energy• The direction of the arrow is from organism
being eaten to the organism doing the eating
Food webs
• Arrows show movement of energy• The direction of the arrow is from organism being eaten
to the organism doing the eating
Abiotic factors – both aquatic and terrestrialFactor Effect on survival Measurement
Temperature Temperature affects cell activity – especially enzymes and reactions in the cell.
At low temperatures, cellular reactions slow. As the temperature increases the rate of reactions increases.
At extremely high temperatures, enzymes and structures can be damaged and the cell can die.
If the cell freezes, ice crystals can burst the cell
Thermometer
Light Light is necessary for photosynthesis.
It is affected by water depth and shade (eg trees).
Light meter
pH (soil or water) pH affects cell survival by altering proteins. This can damage cell membranes and enzymes in the cell.
pH meter
indicators
Salinity (soil or water) Salinity affects water and ion movement into and out of cells. High salt conditions dehydrate cells, low salt conditions can cause cells to swell and burst
Salinity meter
Conductivity meters
Wind Wind affects wave action in aquatic environments and humidity and water loss in terrestrial environment.
Wind meter
Anemometer
Abiotic factors – mainly aquaticFactor Effect on survival Measurement
Wave action Wave action affects the amount of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) that can dissolve in the water. The greater the action, the more gases dissolve.
Height in metre (swell)
Water currents These affect the temperature of water at different levels. They can carry nutrients from estuaries and coasts to deeper water.
Radar and infrared satellites
Buoyancy This is a measure of how easy it is to float. It is affected by salinity – the greater the salt content, the more buoyancy there is.
Viscosity This affects movement. The more viscous a material, the more effort is needed to move through it.
Turbidity This is a measure of small particles in the water (eg silt). High turbidity can reduce light penetration and interfere with gill function making it harder to survive.
Secchi disc
Depth The deeper the water, the less light penetrates. The wavelength of light also varies – red penetrates the least far & violet the most.
Sonar
Plumb line
Gases Oxygen is needed for respiration, carbon dioxide is needed for photosynthesis
Dissolved oxygen meter
Chemical tests
Abiotic factors – mainly terrestrial
Factor Effect on survival Measurement
Amount of water All organisms need water to survive Rain gauge
Humidity This affects water loss from leaves and the effectiveness of sweating and panting (evaporative cooling) in animals
Humidity meter
Hygrometer
Mineral salts (in soil) Plants need minerals to grow. Mineral salts affect salinity Salinity meter
Chemical tests
Soil type This is mainly determined by particle size, mineral salts and organic matter present. These affect water retention, fertility and the type of plants that will grow.
Soil tests
Topography Features such as slope, hills, valleys affect water movement, soil formation or erosion, shade and altitude. All of these affect the growth of plants and the animals they can support.
Inclinometers
Mapping instruments
Altitude Height above sea levels affects oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Soil quality is also generally less at higher altitudes.
Mapping instruments
Biotic factors – role in ecosystem
• Autotroph – makes its own food
• Producer – provides energy to a food chain by photosynthesis (using light to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars) or chemosynthesis (using chemical reactions to make energy or organic compounds)
• Heterotroph can not make its own food, so must eat other organisms
• Consumer – gains its energy by eating other organisms
• Decomposer – gains its energy by feeding on dead or decaying living matter
Biotic factors – feeding relationships
• Herbivore – eats plants • Carnivore – eats animals • Detrivore – eats dead or
decaying matter• Saprophyte – eats dead or
decaying matter • Predator – animal that eats
another • Prey – animal species eaten
by predator • Parasite – lives or feeds in or
on a host without killing it• Host – organism that a
parasite feeds on
Biotic factors – associations
• Competition – rivalry between two organisms/species for the same resources
• Collaboration - working together so both benefit but they can work without each other
• Mutualism – an association where both species benefit and both need each other eg lichen
• Commensalism – an association where one species benefits and the other is unaffected eg epiphytic ferns
• Pollination - animal species spread pollen for flowering plantsand are rewarded by food eg bees and nectar
• Dispersal – animal species spread seeds for a plant eg prickles or after eating the fruit
• Communication – signals are shared that allow individuals to recognise members of their group, possible mates or rivals or information about food or danger
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