Ecology is primarily concerned with the relationships between living organisms and their ___ and ___ environments.

Biotic and abiotic

Fill in the blank: An ecosystem is defined as a structural and functional unit of the biosphere consisting of a community of living beings and the ___ environment.

Physical

What distinguishes a major community from a minor community in ecological terms?

Major communities are larger and independent.

• Major communities rely on external energy.

• Minor communities depend on neighbors.

Fill in the blank: The primary producers in an ecosystem are primarily ___ and specific types of ___.

Green plants;

photosynthetic

bacteria and algae

Describe the ecological significance of ecotones.

Ecotones enhance biodiversity significantly.

• Serve as habitats for diverse species.

• Facilitate species interactions and exchanges.

• Enhance ecosystem resilience to changes.

True or False: Latitude and altitude do not significantly influence the distribution of wildlife.

False; both latitude and altitude greatly affect climate and, consequently, wildlife distribution.

Explain the role of abiotic components in an ecosystem.

Abiotic components shape ecosystems.

• Soil provides nutrients for plants.

• Water sustains all living organisms.

• Sunlight drives photosynthesis processes.

Fill in the blank: In a terrestrial ecosystem, primary consumers are often referred to as ___ because they feed on plants.

Herbivores

What is meant by the term 'niche' in an ecological context?

Niche includes survival factors.

• Habitat where species lives.

• Food sources for survival.

• Reproductive conditions required.

Fill in the blank: The tundra biome is characterized by a lack of trees and is primarily found in the ___ regions.

Northernmost

True or False: The biosphere is uniformly composed of living organisms distributed evenly across all environments.

False; living organisms are not uniformly distributed and are concentrated in specific zones.

How do micro consumers contribute to nutrient cycling in an ecosystem?

Micro consumers decompose organic matter.

• Break down dead organisms.

• Release essential nutrients back.

• Support plant growth and health.

Fill in the blank: In aquatic ecosystems, freshwater systems can be classified as ___ or ___ based on water movement.

Lotic; lentic

What are the primary climatic factors that differentiate biomes?

Temperature and precipitation are the most important climatic factors that influence the characteristics and types of biomes.

Define the term 'biome' and give an example.

A biome is a large region characterized by specific climate, vegetation, and animal life; for example, the tropical rainforest.

True or False: Estuaries are less productive than the adjacent river or sea.

False; estuaries are highly productive compared to adjacent water bodies.

Explain the concept of latitude in relation to ecological zones.

Latitude impacts ecological zones.

• Affects climate variation.

• Determines temperature patterns.

• Influences biodiversity distribution.

The biosphere is defined as the part of the Earth where life can exist, comprising the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. True or False?

True