Explain the following three ecological terms: biosphere; niche; symbiosis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 12 - 2022
Question 12
Explain the following three ecological terms: biosphere; niche; symbiosis.
Dragonflies are a deadly group of Irish predators.
They chase down gnats with dazzling ae... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the following three ecological terms: biosphere; niche; symbiosis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 12 - 2022
Step 1
Explain the following three ecological terms: biosphere; niche; symbiosis.
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Answer
Biosphere: The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems. It represents the zone of life on Earth, where all living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants, exist.
Niche: A niche refers to the role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and the relationships it has with other organisms.
Symbiosis: Symbiosis describes the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity, often to the advantage of both parties, and includes mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
Step 2
Suggest one reason why dragonflies are such successful predators.
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Answer
Dragonflies have large compound eyes that provide a nearly panoramic view, allowing them to detect and capture prey efficiently.
Step 3
Give two benefits for dragonfly populations living near freshwater vegetation.
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Protection: Vegetation provides shelter from predators, increasing survival rates for dragonfly populations.
Breeding Grounds: Freshwater plants serve as ideal sites for laying eggs, contributing to higher reproductive success.
Step 4
Suggest a benefit of the adult and the nymph having different food sources.
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Having different food sources reduces competition between the adult and nymph phases of dragonflies, allowing both to thrive in their respective habitats.
Step 5
What type of ecological relationship exists between swallows and dragonflies?
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The relationship is predatory; swallows feed on adult dragonflies, illustrating a predator-prey dynamic.
Step 6
Suggest one possible effect on the dragonfly population of a disease affecting the swallows.
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If swallows are affected by disease, their population may decline, potentially allowing the dragonfly population to increase due to reduced predation pressure.
Step 7
Suggest one possible effect on the dragonfly population of cutting of vegetation (e.g. reeds) along the river banks.
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Cutting vegetation can decrease habitat quality for dragonflies, leading to reduced breeding sites and food availability, which may ultimately lower their population.
Step 8
Suggest one reason why volunteers are being asked to identify dragonflies.
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Volunteers help monitor dragonfly diversity, which provides critical data for conservation efforts and understanding the health of freshwater ecosystems.
Step 9
What might a volunteer use to help them identify a dragonfly?
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Volunteers might use field guides or smartphone apps that provide images and descriptions to aid in the identification of dragonfly species.
Step 10
Outline the main events of the carbon cycle.
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The carbon cycle consists of processes such as photosynthesis, where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. Decomposition and respiration return CO2 to the atmosphere as organisms break down organic matter.
Step 11
Explain why the carbon cycle is critical to life on Earth.
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The carbon cycle is essential for maintaining atmospheric balance and regulating Earth's climate. It facilitates energy transfer through food webs, supports plant growth, and helps sustain life.
Step 12
Explain the term biodiversity.
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Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, region, or on the Earth as a whole. It includes the diversity of species, genetic variations, and the ecosystems they form.
Step 13
Give one example of waste management from agriculture or fisheries or forestry.
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An example of waste management in agriculture is composting, where organic waste is recycled to improve soil quality.
Step 14
Other than global warming or pollution, give two factors that can have an effect on the human population.
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War or Conflict: Armed conflicts can lead to population displacement and loss of life.
Disease Outbreaks: Epidemics can significantly impact population numbers through mortality and morbidity.
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