a) Pyramid of numbers refers to the graphical representation of the number of individuals at each trophic level in an ecosystem. It shows the decrease in the number of individuals as you move up the food chain. On the other hand, pyramid of biomass represents the total mass or biomass of organisms at each trophic level. It demonstrates the decrease in biomass as you move up the food chain.
b) Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another organism, the host. The parasite feeds on the host's resources, causing harm or damage to the host. Predation, on the other hand, is a type of interaction where one organism, the predator, hunts, kills, and consumes another organism, the prey, for food.
c) Interspecific competition occurs between different species, where they compete for limited resources such as food, water, or shelter. Intraspecific competition occurs within the same species, where individuals of the same species compete for the same resources.
d) Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain over a long period of time without causing damage to the habitat or resources. It is determined by factors such as food availability, space, and other resources. Biomass, on the other hand, refers to the total mass of living organisms in a given area at a specific time.
e) Habitat refers to the specific physical environment where an organism or a population naturally lives, including the biotic and abiotic factors present. Ecology, on the other hand, is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment, including the study of habitats, ecosystems, and the distribution and abundance of organisms.
f) A community refers to all the populations of different species living and interacting in a particular area or habitat. It includes all the plants, animals, and other organisms that coexist in the same ecosystem. A population, on the other hand, refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area and interact with each other.
2) Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem that can affect its functioning. Here are four examples:
a) Temperature: Temperature affects the metabolism and activity levels of organisms. Extreme temperatures can limit the growth and survival of certain organisms, while optimal temperatures can promote their reproductive success.
b) Precipitation: The amount and distribution of rainfall in an ecosystem can determine the availability of water for plants and animals. It affects the types of plants and animals that can survive in an area.
c) Light: Sunlight is a crucial factor in ecosystems that undergo photosynthesis. The amount of light available can affect the growth and productivity of plants, which in turn impacts the food chain and the entire ecosystem.
d) Soil composition: The composition of the soil, including its pH, nutrient content, and texture, can influence the types of plants that can grow in an area. It also affects the availability of essential nutrients for organisms living in or dependent on the soil.
These abiotic factors work together to shape the structure and dynamics of an ecosystem and influence the distribution and abundance of organisms within it.
1)Differentiate between;
a) pyramid of numbers and pyramid of biomass
b)Parasitism and predation
c)Interspecific and intraspecific competition
d)Carrying capacity and biomass
e)Habitat and ecology
f)Community and population
2)Describe 4 abiotic factors affecting an ecosystem.
1 answer
3 answers