Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Environmental Science Ecology Flashcards
7 cards from real BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Environmental Science Ecology flashcards as text
Which ecological principle explains why energy decreases by approximately 90% at each trophic level?
Answer: Second law of thermodynamics
The second law of thermodynamics states that energy transfers are inefficient, with roughly 90% lost as heat at each trophic level.
A landscape architect designing a bioswale is primarily targeting which ecosystem service?
Answer: Stormwater filtration and runoff reduction
Bioswales are vegetated channels designed to slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff, reducing peak flows and improving water quality.
The term 'phenology' in ecology refers to the study of:
Answer: Seasonal timing of biological events
Phenology studies the timing of cyclical biological events—such as flowering, migration, and leaf-out—and their relationship to climate and season.
Which soil horizon contains the highest concentration of decomposed organic matter?
Answer: O horizon
The O horizon (organic horizon) sits at the surface and consists primarily of decomposed and decomposing organic matter like leaf litter and humus.
In restoration ecology, 'reference ecosystem' refers to:
Answer: A historical or nearby undisturbed site used as a restoration target
A reference ecosystem is an existing or historically documented site that represents the desired end-state for ecological restoration efforts.
Which type of mutualism involves a fungus and plant roots exchanging nutrients?
Answer: Mycorrhizal association
Mycorrhizal associations are mutualistic relationships where fungi colonize plant roots, improving water and nutrient uptake in exchange for carbohydrates.
What does the term 'guild' mean in community ecology?
Answer: A set of species that exploit the same resource in similar ways
A guild is a group of species that exploit the same class of environmental resources in a similar manner, regardless of taxonomic relationship.