Year 9 Ecology And Photosynthesis

Mushrooms and other fungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter. They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms, which can then be absorbed by other organisms. This process is known as decomposition. Therefore, mushrooms and other fungi are referred to as decomposers.

A carnivore is an animal that only eats the flesh of another animal. This means that it primarily consumes meat as its main source of food. Carnivores have adapted to have sharp teeth and claws to help them catch and kill their prey. They are often at the top of the food chain and play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Unlike herbivores, which eat plants, and omnivores, which eat both plants and animals, carnivores rely solely on consuming other animals for their nutritional needs.

Biotic resources refer to living organisms or products derived from living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. On the other hand, abiotic resources are nonliving elements or substances that are found in the environment, such as air, water, minerals, and sunlight. The correct answer accurately states that biotic resources are living, while abiotic resources are nonliving. This differentiation is crucial in understanding the different types of resources available in nature and their characteristics.

An abiotic factor refers to a non-living component in an ecosystem. Among the given options, only a rock qualifies as an abiotic factor as it is not a living organism. Birds, trees, and bacteria are all living organisms and therefore, they are considered as biotic factors in an ecosystem.

Algae is an autotroph because it is capable of producing its own food through photosynthesis. Autotrophs are organisms that can convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy-rich organic compounds. Algae, being a plant-like organism, contains chlorophyll which enables them to capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy. This ability to produce their own food distinguishes algae from the other options listed, which are all heterotrophs that rely on consuming other organisms for their energy needs.

In an energy pyramid, the bottom level represents producers. Producers are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They are usually plants or algae that convert sunlight or inorganic compounds into energy-rich organic compounds. These producers form the base of the pyramid as they are the primary source of energy for all other organisms in the ecosystem. They provide food and energy to the consumers, decomposers, and scavengers higher up in the pyramid, making them essential for the functioning of the ecosystem.

Organisms that use the sun's energy directly to make their own food are called autotrophs. They are typically found on the first trophic level, also known as the primary producers. These organisms, such as plants and algae, undergo photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy-rich molecules like glucose. This energy is then used by other organisms in higher trophic levels through the food chain.

In a food chain, energy is transferred from one organism to another through consumption. Each time an organism consumes another, only a fraction of the energy is passed on. This is due to energy loss in the form of heat, metabolic processes, and waste production. The 10% answer indicates that approximately 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. This is known as the 10% rule, which states that only about 10% of the energy is available for consumption by the next trophic level.

In this food chain, the snake is the secondary consumer. A secondary consumer is an organism that feeds on primary consumers, which in this case is the rabbit. Since the snake is one step higher in the food chain and consumes the rabbit, it is considered the secondary consumer.

A species that feeds on the tissue of its host without directly killing it is considered a parasite. Parasites rely on other organisms for their survival and obtain nutrients from their hosts. Unlike predators, parasites do not typically kill their hosts. Instead, they live in or on their hosts and rely on them for resources. This relationship is known as parasitism, where the parasite benefits at the expense of the host.

Burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and the release of greenhouse gases, which harm the biosphere. Recycling helps reduce waste and conserve resources, protecting the environment. Protecting waterways from illegal chemical dumping prevents contamination and protects aquatic ecosystems. Decreasing deforestation helps preserve biodiversity and maintain the balance of ecosystems. Therefore, burning fossil fuels is not a way to protect the biosphere.

The introduction of rat poison into the ecosystem would lead to a decrease in the population of rats and mice. As the primary prey of foxes, a decrease in the population of rats and mice would result in a decrease in the food source for foxes. This would ultimately lead to a decrease in the population of foxes.

Denitrification is a process that occurs in the nitrogen cycle. During denitrification, bacteria convert nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2), which is then released into the atmosphere. This process plays a crucial role in balancing the nitrogen levels in ecosystems and is primarily found in soil, sediments, and aquatic environments. Therefore, the correct cycle where denitrification takes place is the nitrogen cycle.

The sun is the ultimate source of energy for all organisms in life because it provides light and heat through the process of photosynthesis. Plants and other photosynthetic organisms convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is then passed on to other organisms through the food chain. Without the sun's energy, life on Earth would not be possible.

Carbon gas released into the atmosphere from factories and cars is considered the main source of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leading to the destruction of the ozone layer. Factories and cars emit large amounts of carbon dioxide as a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gasoline. This release of carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing global warming. The destruction of the ozone layer is also linked to the release of carbon dioxide, as it contributes to the overall imbalance of gases in the atmosphere.

A heterotroph is an organism that obtains its energy by consuming other organisms. In this case, a rabbit is the only option that fits this definition. Grass, wheat, and seaweed are all examples of autotrophs, which are able to produce their own energy through photosynthesis. The rabbit, on the other hand, is unable to produce its own energy and relies on consuming other organisms, making it a heterotroph.

A "commensalism" relationship is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. In this relationship, one organism gains an advantage, or "wins," while the other remains unaffected, or "neutral." This type of relationship is often seen in nature where one organism may use another for transportation, shelter, or food without causing any harm or benefit to the host organism. Therefore, the answer "win/neutral" accurately describes a commensalism relationship.

Energy cannot be recycled because it is not a physical substance that can be broken down and reused. Energy is a measure of the ability to do work or cause change, and it exists in different forms such as thermal, mechanical, electrical, or chemical. While energy can be converted from one form to another, it cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, it cannot go through a recycling process like physical materials such as nitrogen, carbon, or water.

The ecological role of an organism within an ecosystem is referred to as its niche. A niche encompasses the specific interactions, behaviors, and adaptations of an organism that allow it to survive and reproduce in its environment. It includes factors such as the organism's habitat, its position in the food web, its feeding habits, and its interactions with other species. The niche of an organism is crucial in determining its impact on the ecosystem and how it contributes to the overall balance and functioning of the ecosystem.

The correct answer is ecosystem, community, population, individual. This sequence is arranged in a hierarchical manner, starting from the largest and most inclusive level of organization (ecosystem) to the smallest and least inclusive level (individual). An ecosystem consists of all the living organisms and their physical environment in a particular area. Within an ecosystem, there are multiple communities, which are groups of different species living and interacting together. Populations refer to groups of individuals of the same species living in a specific area, and individuals are single organisms.

Ecology is the study of relationships and interactions between organisms and their environment. It focuses on understanding how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings, including other living organisms, non-living elements, and the physical environment. This field of study helps us understand the complex web of connections and dependencies that exist in nature, and how these interactions shape ecosystems and the overall functioning of the planet.

Nitrogen fixation is the process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into a form that plants can use, such as ammonia. This is an important process as plants require nitrogen to grow and develop, but they cannot directly utilize atmospheric nitrogen. Bacteria that have the ability to fix nitrogen form a symbiotic relationship with plants, providing them with a usable form of nitrogen while receiving nutrients from the plants in return. Therefore, the correct answer is "the process where bacteria turns nitrogen into a form that plants can use (ammonia)."

Matter is recycled because it can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed into different forms. This is known as the conservation of mass. Energy, on the other hand, is not recycled as it can be converted from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed. This is known as the conservation of energy. Therefore, the statement "matter is recycled; energy is not recycled" is true.

In this scenario, the relationship between the sea anemones and clownfish is mutualistic. The clownfish benefit by gaining protection from potential predators provided by the sea anemones, and in return, the clownfish provide the sea anemones with nutrients and protection. It's a mutually beneficial relationship where both species gain advantages.

Denitrification is the process in the nitrogen cycle where nitrates, which are compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, are converted into nitrogen gas. This process occurs in anaerobic conditions, such as in waterlogged soils or the bottom of lakes, where oxygen is limited. Denitrifying bacteria carry out this conversion by breaking down the nitrates and releasing nitrogen gas into the atmosphere. This is an important step in the nitrogen cycle as it helps to balance the nitrogen levels in ecosystems and prevent the accumulation of excess nitrogen compounds.

Bacteria living inside a human's intestine have a mutualistic relationship with the host. The bacteria benefit by obtaining a stable environment and a constant supply of nutrients, while the human benefits from the bacteria's ability to aid in digestion and produce essential vitamins. Both parties rely on each other for survival and derive advantages from the relationship. Therefore, this is an example of mutualism.

Energy is the most important product in respiration because it is the main purpose of the process. Respiration is the metabolic process by which cells convert nutrients into energy. Through a series of chemical reactions, energy is released from glucose molecules and stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is then used by cells to perform various functions such as growth, movement, and reproduction. While carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water are also involved in respiration, they are not the primary goal of the process.

Green plants undergo photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. Oxygen is released as a byproduct, so it is not required for the process itself. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen.