Distinguish between the terms habitat and ecosystem by writing a sentence about each - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 7 - 2013
Question 7
Distinguish between the terms habitat and ecosystem by writing a sentence about each.
(i) Habitat. Where an organism (or plant and animal) lives.
(ii) Ecosystem. O... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Distinguish between the terms habitat and ecosystem by writing a sentence about each - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 7 - 2013
Step 1
Habitat.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
A habitat is defined as where an organism (or plant and animal) lives. It includes the physical environment that supports the organism and provides the necessary resources for its survival.
Step 2
Ecosystem.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
An ecosystem refers to a community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. It encompasses the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components and how they influence one another.
Step 3
How did you investigate a named abiotic factor, other than temperature or pH?
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
For my investigation, I focused on the factor of light availability in a forest ecosystem. I measured light levels at various times of the day using a light meter, ensuring to take readings in both shaded and open areas to determine how light influences different plant species.
Step 4
How investigated.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To investigate the light availability, I used a calibrated light meter and recorded the intensity of light in different locations within the ecosystem at multiple times throughout the day. This approach allowed me to obtain a comprehensive view of light variations.
Step 5
How were you able to identify the animals that you found in the ecosystem?
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
I used field guides and illustrated books to assist in identifying the animals. Additionally, I observed their physical characteristics and behaviors to match them with descriptions from these resources.
Step 6
When conducting a quantitative survey of plants, how did you ensure that your sample was random?
97%
121 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To ensure randomness in my quantitative plant survey, I used a systematic random sampling method. This involved randomly selecting points within the ecosystem and then sampling the plants within a certain radius from each point.
Step 7
In the case of a named animal and a named plant give an example of an adaptation to its habitat that you observed.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Animal: African Grey Parrot. Adaptation: The parrot possesses a strong, curved beak that allows it to efficiently crack nuts and seeds.
Plant: Cacti. Adaptation: Cacti have thick, fleshy stems that store water, enabling them to survive in arid environments.
Step 8
As part of your study of your selected ecosystem you constructed a pyramid of numbers. Name the species that occupied the top of your pyramid.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The species that occupied the top of my pyramid of numbers was the Bald Eagle, which is a top predator in the ecosystem.
Step 9
What is the main prey of the species referred to in part (v)?
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The main prey of the Bald Eagle is fish, particularly salmon and trout, which they hunt from the water.
Join the Leaving Cert students using SimpleStudy...
