Ecology - EOC Review

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What is phosphorus and why is it important?

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Phosphorus is a chemical element that is a vital component of RNA and DNA, essential for life as it plays a key role in genetic information and energy transfer.

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What is the water cycle?

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The water cycle is the continuous movement of water between Earth's surface and the atmosphere, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

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What does carrying capacity mean in ecology?

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Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the habitat.

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What is eutrophication?

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Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients (like phosphorus), leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

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How do fertilizers impact the phosphorus cycle?

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Fertilizers often contain high levels of phosphorus, which can run off into waterways, disrupting the natural phosphorus cycle and contributing to eutrophication.

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What role do decomposers play in ecosystems?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting plant growth.

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What is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

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A limiting factor is a resource or condition that limits the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or population in an ecosystem.

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How does human activity affect ecosystems?

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Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and urbanization, can disrupt natural processes, leading to habitat loss and changes in species populations.

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What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

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Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem (like plants and animals), while abiotic factors are non-living components (like water, soil, and climate).

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What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?

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Biodiversity enhances ecosystem productivity and stability, providing resilience against environmental changes and supporting a variety of life forms.