(a) Write short notes on each of the following:
(i) ecological niche
(ii) population density
(iii) climax continually
(b) Describe briefly the interactions between abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem.
(i) ecological niche
(ii) population density
(iii) climax continually
(b) Describe briefly the interactions between abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem.
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Correct Answer: Option n
Explanation:
(a) Short notes:
(i) Niche: Refers to a specific portion of a habitat/dwelling place which is occupied by a particular species of organism. It is also a functional position/role of an organism within the community. Each organism living in the same habitat has its own living space, source of food and tolerance for the effect of the habitat/environment.
(ii) Population density: It is the number of individual organisms of the same species. Per unit area/volume of the habitat at a particular time. It determines the interaction between members of the same species and members of other species. It is mathematically expressed as Total population/population size. It is estimated in humans/animals by counting. In plants by using quadrat.
Area of habitat
(iii) Climax community: Is established when a stable/ unchanging community is attained in ecological succession. The community is in equilibrium with the environment. The vegetation reaches its highest development. The same species of animals, plants/organism re-occur from year to year.
(b) Interaction between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem: In an ecosystem the abiotic factors are non-living things (carbondioxide, oxygen, sunlight, soil and water, etc) while the biotic components are plants and animals. Green plants use carbondioxide in the presence of sunlight to produce carbonhydrate/ starch/food. Animals/herbivores feed on carbonhydrate/ plants and release carbondioxide from respiration. Decomposers break down dead plants/animals/organic matters to release nutrients to the soil. These nutrients are absorbed by plants for use in food production/ photosynthesis. Plants give out oxygen during photosynthesis, which is used by animals for respiration.
(a) Short notes:
(i) Niche: Refers to a specific portion of a habitat/dwelling place which is occupied by a particular species of organism. It is also a functional position/role of an organism within the community. Each organism living in the same habitat has its own living space, source of food and tolerance for the effect of the habitat/environment.
(ii) Population density: It is the number of individual organisms of the same species. Per unit area/volume of the habitat at a particular time. It determines the interaction between members of the same species and members of other species. It is mathematically expressed as Total population/population size. It is estimated in humans/animals by counting. In plants by using quadrat.
Area of habitat
(iii) Climax community: Is established when a stable/ unchanging community is attained in ecological succession. The community is in equilibrium with the environment. The vegetation reaches its highest development. The same species of animals, plants/organism re-occur from year to year.
(b) Interaction between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem: In an ecosystem the abiotic factors are non-living things (carbondioxide, oxygen, sunlight, soil and water, etc) while the biotic components are plants and animals. Green plants use carbondioxide in the presence of sunlight to produce carbonhydrate/ starch/food. Animals/herbivores feed on carbonhydrate/ plants and release carbondioxide from respiration. Decomposers break down dead plants/animals/organic matters to release nutrients to the soil. These nutrients are absorbed by plants for use in food production/ photosynthesis. Plants give out oxygen during photosynthesis, which is used by animals for respiration.