The famous balance of nature is the most extraordinary of all cybernetic systems. Left to itself, it is always self-regulated.

Joseph Wood Krutch (Saturday Review, June 8, 1963.)

 Key words or concepts:
methods of showing ecologic intrarelationships
foodchain
ecological pyramid
trophic level
habit
habitat
generalists
specialists

mode of life

colonial
solitary
sessile
vagile
mode of feeding
filter (suspension)
deposit feeders
grazers
carnivores
pelagic
nektonic
planktonic
benthonic (benthic)


Sample test questions:

4) Describe the process used by a plant for photosynthesis. Your answer should specifically state what goes into and comes out of the process.

3) What is the limiting factor for the trout (if you cannot name the limiting current for a trout do so for another animal, but specify the animal).

4) Describe (or draw and label) a cycle that moves water currents in the ocean.

5) Describe the role filled by the environmental scientist in our society.

Define (3 points each)

Population

Sessile

Useful links:

Earth Science Picture of the Day


Return to Intro to Environmental Science syllabus