A2 Biology

H.J.Hong

A2 Biology Revision note (definitions)

ECOLOGY Biosphere Ecosystem Habitat Population Community Niche Abiotic factors The part of the planet Earth where life occurs, including land, sea and air. A self-sustaining system where biotic and abiotic components interact with each other and make it a stable environment. It consists of a network of habitats. A place where organisms live. E.g sand dune. A group of organisms belonging to the same species at a particular location and at a particular period of time. A group of populations living in a habitat at a particular period of time. A role of an organism within the ecosystem. Non-living factors of the habitat. It involves light, temperature, wind and water currents, water availability, oxygen availability and edaphic factors (soil structure & mineral content). Living factors of the habitat. It involves predation, parasitism and diseases, finding a mate, territory and competition. Competition within the same species. Thus, the organisms fight for same (limited) resources and as a result some may not survive and the population growth will be slow. Competition between different species within the community. Thus, the organisms fight for the same resources/ If there s a greater density of one species and if its reproduction rate is high, the competing species may be extinct. Organisms which secrete extracellular enzymes to convert organic compounds to smaller inorganic compounds mainly on decaying matter in order to absorb soluble products. Small invertebrates which ingest food and get it digested in the gut. The soluble products are absorbed and insoluble wastes are egested. E.g. earthworm. A feeding relationship in a sequence of organisms. The position of an organism in a food chain. The rate of energy incorporated into organic molecules in a plant. The unit of GPP = kJm-2year-1. The rate of energy transferred into organic molecules to be incorporated into biomass in a plant. NPP = GPP Respiration A sequence of changes in a community over a period of time A self-sustaining unit with most productive group of organisms which a particular environment can support. A final community which results due to human intervention. An ecosystem where carbon is stored. E.g. In abiotic part limestone, chalk, fossil fuels. E.g. In biotic part soil An ecosystem where carbon fixation and carbon released are balanced over a long term. E.g. mature forest. An ecosystem that releases more carbon than it accumulates in biomass over a long period. Peat bogs are made of partly decomposed dead plant material. Peat is acidic and anaerobic conditions prevent decomposition. The study of tree rings. The timing of seasonal events. E.g. flowering and fruiting. When the organisms go into a dormant period and the enzymes become less active.

Biotic factors

Intraspecific competition

Interspecific competition

Saprotrophs/Saprophytes

Detritivores Food chain Trophic level Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) Net Primary Productivity (NPP) Succession Climax community Plagioclimax Carbon sink

Carbon neutral Carbon source Peat bogs Dendrochronology Phenology Hibernation

A2 Biology

H.J.Hong

Biofuel Reforestation

Any source of energy produced by recent photosynthesis. It is a renewable energy source and it is carbon neutral. Replanting trees to replace those that have been felled.

SPECIATION Genome Proteome Proteomics All the DNA of an individual. All the proteins produced from DNA. The proteins produced vary throughout life due to differential gene expression. A study of proteins and how they are used in for different characteristics. A group of organisms with many similar features who can interbreed and give rise to fertile offspring. There is a gene flow between members of a species and 2 breeds belonging to same species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Members of a species cannot produce fertile offspring with members of another species. The process by which one or more new species arise from a pre-existing species. Separation of organisms that restricts the gene flow. Separation of one species into 2 populations and prevent interbreeding. A physical barrier and it will prevent interbreeding. E.g. river and mountain. The species occupy different parts of habitat and do not come into contact during reproductive seasons. Many organisms having mating or flowering periods confined to few hours or days. They reproduce at different times if the 2 populations get out of synchronization. The species exist in the same area but do not respond to each other s courtship behaviour. The male gamete cannot penetrate female gametes, prevents copulation and they may not be able to recognise their partners. Zygotes fail to develop properly and die during embryonic development or result in offspring with severe abnormalities so they cannot reproduce successfully. Offspring fail to thrive and grow properly. Offspring may appear healthy but are infertile such as the mule which is the healthy, useful but infertile offspring of a horse and a donkey. The change in allele frequency which is brought about by gene mutations and natural selection. Number of times occurring for 1 allele within a population or a gene pool.

Species

Speciation Isolation mechanism Reproductive isolation Geographical isolation Ecological isolation Temporal isolation Behavioural isolation Gametic isolation Low hybrid zygote vigour Low hybrid adult viability Hybrid infertility Evolution Allele frequency