Ecology and Environment Flashcards

What is the term for the variety of life on Earth, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity?

Answer: Biodiversity

Biodiversity encompasses genetic diversity within species, species diversity within ecosystems, and ecosystem diversity across the biosphere.

In a food chain, which organism is always the producer?

Answer: Green plant (autotroph)

Green plants are producers because they synthesize organic matter from inorganic sources through photosynthesis, forming the base of food chains.

What is the greenhouse effect primarily caused by in the context of climate change?

Answer: Accumulation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases

The enhanced greenhouse effect is caused by increased concentrations of CO2, methane, and other gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Which biogeochemical cycle involves the conversion of atmospheric N2 into usable forms by bacteria?

Answer: Nitrogen cycle

The nitrogen cycle includes nitrogen fixation by bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) that convert atmospheric N2 into ammonia usable by plants.

What is the term for the maximum population size a habitat can sustainably support?

Answer: Carrying capacity

Carrying capacity (K) is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely given available resources.

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

Answer: Stratosphere

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, approximately 15–35 km above Earth's surface, where it absorbs harmful UV-B radiation.