Activity #2. The Way The Natural World Works

Clarin P.
Ordinario
BSED-SCIENCE 3
Activity #2
Ecology: The Way the Natural World Works
Introduction
Ernst Haeckel, German Biologist defined ecology from the greek word “oikos” meaning “home” or “a
place to live” and “logos” meaning “study”. Ecology therefore the study of the interactions among organisms
and between organisms and their physical environment. Ecology emerged into one of the most important fields
in Biology. The growing concern about the state of our ecology brought the field of Ecology to the forefront.
Objectives:
On this particular topic, the student should be able to:
 Illustrate the various biological physical and chemical cycles of nature.
 Show the different interactions between organisms and their physical environment – their life
history strategies that enable them to cope with variations in their physical and social
environments, strategies for coexistence, and many others.
 Enable us to understand how human affect the processes of the natural world.
 Increase our understanding of how humans can take an active role in the preservation of the
natural world.
I. Define the following terminologies. Use your own definition based from what you read on
books, internet, journals etc.
1. Percolation- Percolation is a crucial step in replenishing aquifers that retain groundwater in the
saturation zone. It's a part of the water cycle, too.
2. Transpiration- Plants release the water they contain in the form of moisture or water vapor through
the process of transpiration. Some of the water in the soil is consumed by the roots, while the rest
evaporates into the atmosphere.
3. Autotrophs- A being that can make its own sustenance from a range of sources is known as an
autotroph.
4. Saprotrophs- a living entity that feeds on or is nourished by decomposing organic substances
5. Heterotrophs- Any living entity that gets its energy from carbohydrates and other organic material is
referred to as a heterotroph.
6. Cyanobacteria- Cyanobacteria are commonly referred to as algae, a nonscientific term that
encompasses organisms belonging to a wide range of taxonomic groupings. Blue-green algal blooms
or hazardous algal blooms are other names for cyanobacterial blooms.
7. Ammonification- The process of turning natural nitrogen compounds into ammonia is known as
ammonification. Organic nitrogen is transformed to inorganic ammonia or ammonium ions during
the ammonification process. Organic nitrogen refers to the form of nitrogen contained in living
organisms' molecules.
8. Assimilation (in nitrogen cycle)- Plants release the water they contain in the form of moisture or
water vapor through the process of transpiration. Some of the water in the soil is consumed by the
roots, while the rest evaporates into the atmosphere.
9. Nitrification- It is the process of converting ammonia to nitrites and nitrates.
10. Detritus feeders (in ecology)- The term "detritus food chain" refers to a food chain that begins with
dead organic matter. Microorganisms degrade the decaying organic material. Detritivores or
decomposers are creatures that feed on dead organic matter or detritus.
II. Fill the missing parts on the following pictures below: Top (Nitrogen Cycle) and Bottom
(Lakes)
1.Assimilation
Responsible bacteria
for this process (6)
nitrobacter
Responsible bacteria for this
process (4 )Rhizobium with
nitrogenase. Ammonia (NH3) 2.Ammonification 3.Nitrification
Responsible bacteria for this

process (5) nitromas and nitroccus
1.LIMNETIC ZONE
2.LITTORAL ZONE
3.PROFUNDAL ZONE
III. Define the following symbiotic relationships in ecosystem. Give examples of each.
1. Mutualism- Mutualism is simply described as a partnership in which both species benefit from
one other. This link might exist either inside a species or between two species. Symbionts are species
that share this relationship.
All living organisms, including humans, animals, birds, plants, and other microbes such as bacteria,
viruses, and fungi, have a mutual interaction. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship.
Mutualism is a sort of partnership in which both the host and the symbiont benefit and no one is hurt.
This partnership could last a long time or be short-lived. The name "mutualist" refers to the little
partner, while "host" refers to the other participants in the Mutualism. Ants, for example, live and
feed on acacia tree nectar. The mutualists are ants, and the hosts are acacia plants.
The ants have a home and food in the acacia tree. Because they have hollow big thorns that serve as
ant houses and yellow swellings on the leaves that serve as ant food. Ants, on the other hand, serve
as a guard, destroying insects and defending the tree from grazing animals.
2. Commensalism- Commensalism is a symbiotic connection in which one species benefits while the
other is not damaged or aided.Remora fish have a disk on their heads that makes them able to attach
to larger animals, such as sharks, mantas, and whales. When the larger animal feeds, the remora
detaches itself to eat the extra food.
3. Parasitism- A relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is harmed.
There's often debate about whether a particular relationship is an example of commensalism or another type of
interaction. For example, some scientists consider the relationship between people and gut bacteria to be an
example of commensalism, while others believe it is mutualistic because humans may gain a benefit from the
relationship.
4. Amensalism- A relationship in which one organism is harmed while the other is not affected.
IV. Questions to Answer:

1. What is limiting factor? Give example.
- Limiting Factors A limiting factor is anything that restricts the growth of a population and causes
it to halt or stop expanding. Biological variables such as food, mates, and resource rivalry with
other species are examples of limiting factors. Others, such as space, temperature, altitude, and
the amount of sunshine accessible in a given environment, are abiotic.
2. Why do Estuaries are considered the most fertile areas in the world?
- Estuarine ecosystems are among the most productive on the planet, producing more organic matter
per year than comparable-sized forest, grassland, or agricultural land. Estuaries also sustain distinct
ecosystems of plants and animals that have evolved specifically for living at the sea's edge.

Activity #2. The Way The Natural World Works

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Activity #2. The Way The Natural World Works

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Activity #2. The Way The Natural World Works

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Clarin P.

Responsible bacteria for this

IV. Questions to Answer:

You might also like