1. What are the interactions between organisms and their environment?
Answer: Organisms interact with their environment through various processes such as mutualism, competition, predation, and parasitism.
2. Explain mutualism in population interactions.
Answer: Mutualism is a type of interaction between two species in which both benefit from the relationship. An example is the mutualistic relationship between bees and flowers, where bees pollinate flowers while obtaining nectar.
3. Define competition in ecology.
Answer: Competition occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resources, such as food, water, or territory. It can lead to resource partitioning and niche differentiation.
4. What is predation, and how does it affect populations?
Answer: Predation is the act of one organism (predator) feeding on another (prey). It helps regulate prey populations and influences their distribution and behavior.
5. Explain parasitism and its impact on populations.
Answer: Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of another (host). Parasites can negatively impact host populations by causing diseases or reducing fitness.
6. Discuss population attributes such as growth, birth rate, and death rate.
Answer: Population growth is influenced by birth rate (number of births per unit of time) and death rate (number of deaths per unit of time), which determine the rate of population increase or decrease.
7. What is age distribution, and why is it important in population ecology?
Answer: Age distribution refers to the proportion of individuals in different age groups within a population. It’s important because it affects population dynamics, such as growth rates and reproductive strategies.
8. Explain the patterns and components of ecosystems.
Answer: Ecosystems have spatial patterns (e.g., distribution of biomes) and functional components (e.g., producers, consumers, decomposers) that interact to maintain ecological balance.
9. Discuss productivity and decomposition in ecosystems.
Answer: Productivity refers to the rate at which organisms produce biomass through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, while decomposition is the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.
10. What is energy flow in ecosystems?
Answer: Energy flows through ecosystems in a one-way direction, from producers to consumers to decomposers, with energy being lost as heat at each trophic level.
11. Explain the concept of pyramids of number in ecology.
Answer: Pyramids of number represent the number of organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem, with producers forming the base and successive trophic levels forming higher levels, often in a pyramid shape.
12. Describe biomass pyramids and their significance.
Answer: Biomass pyramids represent the total biomass (organic matter) at each trophic level in an ecosystem. They illustrate the amount of energy available at each level and the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels.
13. Discuss energy pyramids and their role in ecosystems.
Answer: Energy pyramids depict the flow of energy through trophic levels in an ecosystem, showing that energy decreases as it moves up the food chain due to energy loss through respiration and heat.
14. Define biodiversity and its importance in ecology.
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in a given area, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. It is essential for ecosystem stability, resilience, and functioning.
15. Explain the patterns of biodiversity in different ecosystems.
Answer: Biodiversity patterns vary across different ecosystems, influenced by factors such as latitude, altitude, habitat heterogeneity, and historical events like glaciations and speciation.
16. Discuss the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services, preserving genetic resources, supporting human well-being, and safeguarding the planet’s health and resilience to environmental changes.
17. What are biodiversity hotspots, and why are they important?
Answer: Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism. They are important conservation priorities due to the high threat of habitat loss and the need to protect unique biodiversity.
18. Explain the concept of endangered organisms and extinction.
Answer: Endangered organisms are species facing a high risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Extinction occurs when a species ceases to exist.
19. Describe the Red Data Book and its significance in biodiversity conservation.
Answer: The Red Data Book is a comprehensive list of endangered and threatened species worldwide, providing crucial information for conservation efforts and policy-making to prevent extinction.
20. Discuss the role of biosphere reserves, national parks, and sanctuaries in biodiversity conservation.
Answer: Biosphere reserves, national parks, and sanctuaries are protected areas designed to conserve biodiversity, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable development while providing opportunities for research, education, and ecotourism.