Ecology quiz

the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms, relationships between living organisms and their physical environment

portion of the earth where life can exist or the habitable surface of the earth

a large geographical area of distinctive groups of living organisms and specific climate characteristics

the interacting biotic and abiotic factors in a defined geographical area

the average weather conditions of a specific location over a period of years

largest biome, evergreen conifers. cold long snowy winters with short moist summers

extremely cold, plants grow in mutualistic multispecies. permafrost

heavy rain, high temp, close to the equator, poor soil because of dense vegetation

biomass, number or organisms and energy in each trophic level. producers, herbivores, carnivores, top carnivores

distinguished by their predominant vegetation, mainly determined by temp and rainfall

abundant water during growing season, cold winter temps limit photosynthesis and freezes water in the soil

where salt water meets fresh water, “nurseries of the sea”, enormous biological productivity and diversity

areas of standing water that support aquatic plants-hydrophytes. marshes, swamps, bogs

a visual diagram that shows a locations physical characteristics

the change in a species composition, structure or architecture of vegetation through time

the transfer of energy within an ecosystem between organisms

mimicry: resembling another species chemical warfare: using scents (skunk)

mutualism: a relationship where both members benefit (pollination) parasitic a relationship where one member benefits

two species cannot coexist if they occupy the same niche or there will be competition

a species with a dominant role in a community structure (wolf) messes up the community

producers: plants that use light energy

consumers: consume producers or other consumers

a hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food

limited resources are divided by the species to avoid competition in an ecological niche