11. (a) (i) What is the main source of energy in an ecosystem? (ii) Explain the following terms used in ecology: 1 - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 11 - 2011

The biosphere refers to the global sum of all ecosystems; it is the zone of life on Earth. The biosphere is a broad term that encompasses all living organisms and their relationships with the lithosphere (earth), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air).

A habitat is a specific environment where an organism or a community of organisms lives. It provides the necessary resources like food, water, and shelter for the organisms to thrive.

One primary producer from the web is Oaktree or Blackberry.

Herbivore: Caterpillar Carnivore: Hawk

One omnivore from the web is the Mouse.

If all the thrushes died, the number of caterpillars would likely increase. This is because thrushes are known predators of caterpillars; without them, the caterpillar population would face less predation.

A quantitative survey of organisms in a habitat refers to a systematic method of counting and recording the number of individuals of a particular species in a designated area. This helps in understanding population dynamics and health of ecosystems.

Two pieces of apparatus used to collect animals are a Pooter and a Beating tray.

There are ten species of bat found in Ireland.

The most common species of bat found in Ireland is the Pipistrelle.

A predator is an organism that hunts and consumes other organisms for food. Predators play a crucial role in maintaining the population dynamics of prey species.

A predator of Irish bats is the Barn Owl.

Many bats hibernate in winter to conserve energy when food sources, such as insects, are scarce. Hibernation helps them survive the cold months until food becomes available again.

One way to help bat conservation in Ireland is to maintain hedgerows and avoid the use of pesticides, which can harm bat populations and their food sources.