Study Guide for Ecology Test 2
(Chapters 13.5, 14.1-14.2, 14.5, 15.2-15.5 and 16.4)
Be able to define habitat and niche, and be able to distinguish between these terms.
Be able to define the term symbiotic relationship, and know and be able to identify the three types of symbiosis: mutualism, commensalism and parasitism.
Be able to define invasive species (also known as non-native or exotic species). Be able to explain why some times invasive species can thrive in a new environment and can lead to the depletion of native species. Know at least one example of an invasive species.
Understand that there is a one-way flow of energy and a cycling of nutrients in ecosystems.
Be able to outline the hydrologic (water) cycle; including transpiration.
Be able to explain the basic processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Be able to identify the overall equations for each. (Don’t have to memorize equations, but identify correctly what is on reactants and products sides of the equations.)
Be able to outline the carbon cycle (and the role of photosynthesis, respiration and combustion in the cycle). Be able to identify two human activities that are increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and explain why.
Be able to outline the nitrogen cycle and understand the significance of the nitrogen cycle including the following:
· nitrogen is needed to make DNA and protein
· nitrogen is often a limiting factor in plant growth since plants require nitrogen and cannot utilize the N2 gas in the atmosphere;
· nitrogen-fixing bacteria are able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates that can be utilized by plants
· Know that the nitrogen-fixing bacteria can be found in the soil or in the root nodules of certain plants like legumes (beans etc.). Growing these plants can be improve the soil (due to the bacteria).
Be able to define the term eutrophication (high levels of nutrients, esp. N and P, in an aquatic ecosystem- that come from run-off of fertilizers or manure). Be able to explain why eutrophication typically results in low dissolved oxygen even though initially the nutrients cause a large increase in photosynthetic algae that produce oxygen.
Be able to explain the process of succession (what it is and how/why it occurs). Be able to define pioneer species and give some characteristics of typical pioneer species. Be able to distinguish between primary succession and secondary succession.
Be able to define biome. Be able to explain the basic characteristics of the 6 major terrestrial (land) biomes: tropical rain forests, temperate forests, grasslands, desert, taiga, and tundra. Be able to define deciduous and coniferous.
Be able to define thermal pollution and explain how thermal pollution causes lower dissolved oxygen levels in water. (Note that this is a separate factor that could cause lower dissolved oxygen from eutrophication.)
Be able to name some of the main causes of soil erosion. Be able to describe some of the harmful effects of soil erosion.
Be able to a name some factors that cause habitat fragmentation and why habitat fragmentation can be harmful to populations.
Be able to define wetland and estuary and know that wetlands and estuaries are often highly productive (lots of photosynthesis) and usually have high biodiversity.