Ecology ?s Q&A
Where is the biosphere located and what does it include: - (correct answer)It's above
Earth's surface, extending from about 8 km to as far as 11 km below the ocean's
surface. It consists of all life on Earth and in parts where life exists.
What is ecology? - (correct answer)It's the scientific study of interactions among
organisms and between organisms and their physical environment.
List the levels of ecological organization from least complex to most complex. - (correct
answer)Species, population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphere.
Differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors. - (correct answer)A biotic factor is living
and abiotic factor is nonliving.
Give examples of biotic factors. - (correct answer)Animals, plants, mushrooms, bacteria
Give examples of abiotic factors. - (correct answer)Sunlight, heat, precipitation,
humidity, wind, water currents, soil type.
What are the 3 most common methods used to study ecology? - (correct
answer)Observation, experimentation, modeling.
What are primary producers? - (correct answer)The first producers of energy-rich
compounds that are later used by other organisms.
Define autotrophs. - (correct answer)Organisms that use solar or chemical energy to
produce "food" by assembling inorganic compounds into complex organic molecules.
What is the original source of energy for plants? - (correct answer)Sunlight
, What process do producers use to harness solar energy? - (correct
answer)Photosynthesis
Give examples of producers/autotrophs. - (correct answer)Plants, algae, certain
bacteria,
When there is NOT light available, how do primary producer organisms in hydrothermal
vents obtain energy? - (correct answer)Chemosynthesis
What are heterotrophs and how do they obtain energy? - (correct answer)Organisms
that acquire energy from other organisms by ingesting them in one way or another.
What is another name for heterotroph? - (correct answer)Consumer
How are consumers classified? - (correct answer)By the ways they acquire energy and
nutrients: carnivores, scavengers, decomposers, herbivores, omnivores, detrivores.
Carnivores: - (correct answer)Kill and eat other animals Ex: snakes, giant river otter,
dogs, cats.
Scavengers: - (correct answer)Animals that consume the carcasses of other animals
that have been killed by predators or other causes. Ex: king vulture
Decomposers: - (correct answer)Feed by chemically breaking down organic matter. Ex:
bacteria, fungi
Herbivores: - (correct answer)Obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant leaves, roots,
seeds, or fruit. Ex: caterpillars, deer, cows.
Where is the biosphere located and what does it include: - (correct answer)It's above
Earth's surface, extending from about 8 km to as far as 11 km below the ocean's
surface. It consists of all life on Earth and in parts where life exists.
What is ecology? - (correct answer)It's the scientific study of interactions among
organisms and between organisms and their physical environment.
List the levels of ecological organization from least complex to most complex. - (correct
answer)Species, population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphere.
Differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors. - (correct answer)A biotic factor is living
and abiotic factor is nonliving.
Give examples of biotic factors. - (correct answer)Animals, plants, mushrooms, bacteria
Give examples of abiotic factors. - (correct answer)Sunlight, heat, precipitation,
humidity, wind, water currents, soil type.
What are the 3 most common methods used to study ecology? - (correct
answer)Observation, experimentation, modeling.
What are primary producers? - (correct answer)The first producers of energy-rich
compounds that are later used by other organisms.
Define autotrophs. - (correct answer)Organisms that use solar or chemical energy to
produce "food" by assembling inorganic compounds into complex organic molecules.
What is the original source of energy for plants? - (correct answer)Sunlight
, What process do producers use to harness solar energy? - (correct
answer)Photosynthesis
Give examples of producers/autotrophs. - (correct answer)Plants, algae, certain
bacteria,
When there is NOT light available, how do primary producer organisms in hydrothermal
vents obtain energy? - (correct answer)Chemosynthesis
What are heterotrophs and how do they obtain energy? - (correct answer)Organisms
that acquire energy from other organisms by ingesting them in one way or another.
What is another name for heterotroph? - (correct answer)Consumer
How are consumers classified? - (correct answer)By the ways they acquire energy and
nutrients: carnivores, scavengers, decomposers, herbivores, omnivores, detrivores.
Carnivores: - (correct answer)Kill and eat other animals Ex: snakes, giant river otter,
dogs, cats.
Scavengers: - (correct answer)Animals that consume the carcasses of other animals
that have been killed by predators or other causes. Ex: king vulture
Decomposers: - (correct answer)Feed by chemically breaking down organic matter. Ex:
bacteria, fungi
Herbivores: - (correct answer)Obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant leaves, roots,
seeds, or fruit. Ex: caterpillars, deer, cows.
