Ecology Questions 1. Explain the following terms that are used in ecology: biosphere, habitat and niche. 2.

Explain the following terms that are used in ecology: Biosphere; Habitat; Consumer; Producer; Niche. 3. An organism that eats another organism is called a 4. The place where an organism lives is called its 5. What is a pyramid of numbers? 6. The primary source of energy in an ecosystem is the 7. The parts of the earth and atmosphere in which life is found is called the 8. In ecology what is meant by a trophic level? 9. Explain the following terms that are used in ecology: niche, edaphic factor, symbiosis. 10.What is meant by nitrogen fixation? 11.What is meant by nitrification? 12.What is the function of the nitrogen cycle? 13.What term do ecologists use to describe an animal which kills and eats other animals? 14.Give four factors that influence the size of the human population. 15.If the population of prey declines suggest two possible consequences for the predators. 16.What is meant by each of the following in ecology: predator; habitat; niche; biosphere; ecosystem? 17.What is the principal source of energy for the Earths ecosystems? 18.Name a producer. 19.What is meant by an abiotic factor? 20.State one way in which a named organism is adapted to the ecosystem. 21.What is a quadrat frame? 22.Give two abiotic factors that you investigated, describe how you measured each one. 23.What term is used for the organism from which a parasite obtains its food? 24.What is a habitat? 25.List three abiotic factors that you investigated. 26.In the case of a named organism give an adaptation feature that you noted. 27.What is an ecosystem?

28.What does an ecologist mean by competition? 29.The use of one species to control the population of another species is called biological control. Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of biological control. 30.What is meant by nitrogen fixation? 31.Name a group of organisms involved in nitrogen fixation. 32.What is meant by a pyramid of numbers? 33.A relationship between two organisms in which both benefit is called 34.What does an ecologist mean by competition? 35.What is an ecosystem? 36.What is the biosphere? 37.In ecological studies it is found that the distribution of organisms is influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Distinguish between the underlined terms. 38.From an ecosystem that you have investigated give an example of an abiotic factor that influences the distribution of a named plant in the ecosystem. 39.In the case of a named ecosystem give an example of a biotic factor that influences the distribution of a named animal. 40.What is the source of energy for the earths ecosystems? 41.Construct a grazing food chain containing at least four trophic levels. 42.The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates by bacteria is called 43.Give two sources of the carbon dioxide that is found in the atmosphere. 44.Farmers add nitrates as fertilizers to the soil. They are advised not to spread fertilizers if heavy rain is forecast. Why do you think they are given this warning? 45.Explain what is meant by pollution. 46.Give an example of pollution and describe how this form of pollution can be controlled. 47.Give an example of a human activity that results in the pollution of air or water 48.Explain what is meant by conservation. 49.Give a brief account of a conservation practice with which you are familiar. 50.Explain conservation in relation to wild plants and animals. 51.Suggest two reasons for conserving wild species. 52.State one conservation practice from agriculture or fisheries or forestry 53.What is meant by pollution?

54.Describe a human activity that may result in pollution. Suggest a way in which this pollution could be prevented. 55.Suggest a possible effect on a human population that may result from an increased availability of contraception. 56.What is meant by pollution? 57.What do you understand by the term conservation? 58.Suggest three reasons for conserving wild animals and plants. 59.Explain what is meant by pollution. 60.Give an account of the effects of a named pollutant of domestic, agricultural or industrial origin. Describe one way in which it might be controlled. 61.Outline the problems associated with the disposal of waste. Suggest two ways of minimising waste. 62.Waste management is becoming an increasingly difficult matter. Suggest two reasons for this. 63.Describe one method of waste management by reference to agriculture, fisheries or forestry. 64.Suggest some ways of minimizing waste. 65.Waste management is a matter of growing concern in Ireland as the population expands. Outline three problems associated with waste disposal. 66.Suggest two methods of waste minimisation. 67.Give an example of waste produced in agriculture or fisheries or forestry and describe how it is managed. 68.Give one example of the use of micro-organisms in waste management. 69.Suggest two ways to prevent or control pollution. 70.What is meant by pollution? 71.Write a short paragraph (about 5 lines) on waste management. 72.What is meant by pollination? 73.What term is used by ecologists to describe the organisms that form the base of a pyramid of numbers? 74.What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey? 75.What is a quadrat frame? 76.What term is used to describe the animal that is killed and eaten? 77.What is meant in ecology by a quantitative survey? 78.Name two habitats from the ecosystem you have studied. 79.An animal that eats both plants and animals is called an

80.Give an example of an herbivore and of a carnivore found in an ecosystem you have studied (not domesticated or farm animals). 81.What is meant by the term fauna? 82.In ecological studies what is a key? 83.What is meant by a qualitative survey? 84.Describe three methods used by plants to protect themselves from adverse external environments. 85.Give an example of pollution which may result from domestic (household) or industrial or agricultural activity.