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Assignment for Runners of the Day

Academic Year: 2015 BC
Group: Sulmane 12
Total Marks: 10%
Semester: Winter 1

1. Distinguish between the following spheres of the Earth: lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. (9 points)

2. Describe the main ecological research at organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels of organization. (4 points)

3. Contrast exponential and logistic growth of a population. Under what conditions might you expect a population to exhibit exponential growth? Why can't exponential growth be perpetuated indefinitely? (5 points)

4. Define and contrast density-dependent and density-independent environmental factors. Provide examples of how the growth of organism populations might be hindered by either density-dependent or density-independent mechanisms. (4 points)

5. What is the difference between invasive and exotic species? How can invasive species threaten local ecosystems? (2 points)

6. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors by giving examples of each. (2 points)

7. Explain the ecological concept of a niche. How does an organism's niche differ from its habitat? (3 points)

8. Briefly describe the main ecosystem types in Ethiopia and their respective characteristics. (4 points)

9. What is a biome? Describe the characteristics of the major terrestrial biomes: tropical forest, savanna, desert, chaparral, temperate grassland, temperate forest, taiga, and tundra. (4 points)

10. What are biogeochemical cycles? Briefly describe the major processes involved in the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle within an ecosystem. (5 points)

11. Imagine that a local government is debating whether a large freshwater wetland should be drained and filled in for a new road or turned into a wildlife refuge. Draft arguments for both sides of the debate. (3 points)



Answer :

GinnyAnswer

Final answer:

The answer explains various ecological concepts, population growth patterns, and ecosystem characteristics with examples and distinctions for better understanding.


Explanation:

Seasons: The lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere are interconnected spheres that experience different seasonal changes.
Population Research: Population ecology studies focus on individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems to understand interactions and dynamics in ecological systems.
Exponential vs. Logistic Growth: Exponential growth occurs under ideal conditions, while logistic growth factors in limitations like carrying capacity which prevents sustained exponential growth.
Density Factors: Density-dependent factors like competition and predation, and density-independent factors like weather impact organism population growth.
Invasive vs. Exotic: Invasive species are harmful to local ecosystems, unlike exotic species that may not negatively impact the environment.
Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors: Biotic factors are living components like plants and animals, while abiotic factors are non-living elements such as temperature and sunlight.
Ecosystem Types: Ethiopia has diverse ecosystems including forests, grasslands, and deserts, each with unique characteristics.
Major Biomes: Different biomes like tropical forests, savannas, and tundras have distinct characteristics based on climate and vegetation.
Biogeochemical Cycles: These cycles involve water, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus processes that maintain balance in ecosystems. They are crucial for nutrient recycling and energy flow.


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