10. (a) Explain the following terms used in ecology:
(i) Competition
(ii) Producer
(iii) Niche
(b) Read the following article and answer the questions that follow it - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 10 - 2020
Question 10
10. (a) Explain the following terms used in ecology:
(i) Competition
(ii) Producer
(iii) Niche
(b) Read the following article and answer the questions that follo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:10. (a) Explain the following terms used in ecology:
(i) Competition
(ii) Producer
(iii) Niche
(b) Read the following article and answer the questions that follow it - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 10 - 2020
Step 1
Explain the following terms used in ecology: Competition
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Answer
Competition in ecology refers to the struggle between organisms to obtain limited resources such as food, water, and shelter. This competition can occur within a species (intraspecific) or between different species (interspecific), ultimately shaping community dynamics and population sizes.
Step 2
Explain the following terms used in ecology: Producer
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Answer
A producer is an organism that can make its own food, typically through the process of photosynthesis. Producers, such as plants and algae, form the base of the food chain, providing energy for primary consumers and other levels of the ecosystem.
Step 3
Explain the following terms used in ecology: Niche
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Answer
A niche refers to the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms. It encompasses how an organism survives, obtains resources, and contributes to the ecosystem.
Step 4
Why are foxes often found in towns and cities?
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Answer
Foxes are often found in towns and cities due to the easy availability of food sources, such as discarded takeaways and household waste. This urban environment provides a consistent supply of food, allowing them to thrive.
Step 5
Why are most foxes younger than 10 years old?
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Most foxes are younger than 10 years old because they face various threats, including being killed on the road, hunted, or succumbing to diseases. Many do not survive to old age due to these hazards.
Step 6
Name a producer from the article above.
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Answer
A producer mentioned in the article could be either 'grass' or 'hedgerow plants', as they are primary sources of energy for the ecosystem.
Step 7
Name a primary consumer from the article above.
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Answer
A primary consumer from the article is the 'rabbit', which feeds on the plants and serves as a food source for the foxes.
Step 8
Draw a food chain that includes four organisms from the article above.
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Answer
A food chain based on the article could be:
Grass > Rabbit > Fox > Eagle
This illustrates the flow of energy from producers to various levels of consumers.
Step 9
State an adaptation a fox has that increases its chance of survival.
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One adaptation that increases a fox's chance of survival is its sharp teeth and strong jaws, which are designed for catching and consuming prey effectively.
Step 10
Mention two ways households could minimise the amount of waste produced.
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Households can minimize waste by:
Reducing the amount of packaging they buy and utilizing reusable bags.
Recycling materials such as paper, plastics, and glass to decrease waste.
Step 11
Draw a diagram of each piece of equipment and describe how each was used to collect organisms for examination: Pooter
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A Pooter consists of a jar with two tubes; the user sucks on one tube to create a vacuum, drawing small insects into the jar through the other tube. It is used to collect small specimens without harming them.
Step 12
Draw a diagram of each piece of equipment and describe how each was used to collect organisms for examination: Pitfall Trap
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A Pitfall Trap is created by digging a hole in the ground and placing a container inside, covered with a lid or leaves. It captures unsuspecting organisms that fall in, allowing for easy collection.
Step 13
Draw a diagram of each piece of equipment and describe how each was used to collect organisms for examination: Sweep Net
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A Sweep Net consists of a mesh bag attached to a sturdy handle. It is used by sweeping through grass or vegetation to catch insects and small animals for observation and study.
Step 14
What did the students use to identify the animals they found?
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The students used a biological key or a field guide to identify the various animals they encountered during their survey.
Step 15
State any abiotic factor that could influence the number of animals in the ecosystem.
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An abiotic factor that could influence animal populations is soil pH, which affects the types of plants that can grow in an ecosystem, subsequently impacting the availability of food for herbivores.
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