CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC

ECOSYSTEM
7.1

THE ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC COMPONENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem
Fill in the blank / (FITB)
The biotic components consists of
-------------------- : Autotrophs,

Example:

-------------------

-------------------

Heterotrophs

Example:

--------------------

Secondary consumers

Example:

--------------------

Tertiary consumers

Example:

--------------------

Decomposers

Example:

--------------------

Food Chain , Food webs and Trophic level

Trophic level

Functional group

Food chain 1

Food chain 2

Producers

Grass

Water plants

Primary consumers

Rats

Tadpoles

Secondary
consumers

Snakes

Dragonfly
nymphs

Tertiary consumers

Hawks

Frogs

Pyramid of numbers
Represents the number of individuals at each trophic level of food chain at a
particular time. The number of organisms decreases up the trophic levels.
Hawks
trophic level 4

tertiary consumers

trophic level 3

secondary consumers

trophic level 2

primary consumers

trophic level 1

producers

Snakes
Rats
Grass

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

QUESTION TO ANSWER / QTA 1

Figure 1 shows a terrestrial ecocystem.

(a) Abiotic and biotic components influence the lives of organism. Fill in the boxes in Figure
1 to show two more abiotic components and two more biotic components.

[2 marks]

(b) On Figure 2, mark and label one example off the following organisms.
(i)

(i) Producer

(ii) Consumer

(iii) Decomposer

[2 marks]

(c) Based on figure 2 , construct one food chain consisting of four trophic level.
1st trophic level
2nd trophic level
3rd trophic level
4 th trophic level

[2 marks]

(d) An organism in the 3rd trophic level in Figure 1 has decreased in number.
(i)

Based on the food chain you have constructed in (c), suggest a way to increase
the numbers of this organism again.
.
...

Figure 1
(ii)

[1mark]

Explain your suggestion in (d)(i)

.
.
.

[2 marks]

( e )The organisms in the trophic level in Figure 1 absorbs 15 000 kJ solar energy. Energy
loss at each trophic level is 90%. Calculate the total every transferred to the organisms
in the 3rd trophic level.

= -------------------------kJ
[2 marks]

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

Energy Flow

The producers absorb -------------------energy from the sun and convert it

into ------------------- stored in organic molecules during -------------------.

ii When a carnivore eats a -------------------, the herbivores available energy

is transferred on to the carnivore.

The carnivore also loses energy

through respiration, ------------------- and -------------------.

iii About -------------------of the energy lost to the environment, only

------------------- is converted into new tissue and storage material (bio
mass).

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

QTA 2
Figure 2 represents the energy flow through a food chain consisting of four organisms.
The total energy in the tissue of the green plant is shown in the box.
90%
energy
loss

90%
energy
loss

90%
energy
loss

500 kJ
Green
plant

Temperature
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
consumer
consumer
consumer
the population distribution of Pleurococcus sp. is

Avicennia sp. and ------------------- zone (---------------------------------- at a mild temperatures.

Figure 2
species )
temperatures
(a) Complete the
other boxes
to show thesystems
total energy
in the tissues
Extensive
------------------------------------andof each of
the consumer,
assuming
90% loss of energy at each of the stage in the
collect
sediments.
food chain. The ------------------- becomes more compact and
------------------(b) State one process
is likely
to be responsible
for the loses of energy from
The ground
becomes
higher

[1 mark]

Humidity
one stage to another
Light
intensity
- a ------------------An experiment to
..
humidity
- ..
------------------investigate the effect
Rhizophora sp. zone (successor species)
is more suitable
light Intensity is
of the abiotic factors

Replace
more favourable
for the pioneer species
on the population

[1 mark]

for the growth of

Methods
ofincontrolling
pathogens
(c)(i) What is meant by the term
producer
the food chain?
The
silt rate
andof---------------.
Pleurococcus
sp.------------------- roots trap
Pleurococcus sp
growth
an
.
The
soil
firmer,
------------------and
organism.
(investigate
Vaccines
Antibiotics
....
-------------------------------------Plantae
the submerged
population by sea water
- a suspension of ------------------- Penicillin and streptomycin are
[2 marks]
- all -------------- plants
Monera
distribution of
or
produced by microorganisms
- composed
of ------------------Pleurococcus sp.)
- ------------------organisms
Fungi
------------------bacteria
or
which
inhibit the growth or
------------------Water
beetles
------------------(ii) State the
source from which
the
producereukaryotes,
obtains its energy
autotrophic
- multicellular
eukaryotes
viruses
------------ ------------------,
have
cell
------------------competition
competition , have
....
Protista
Quadrat
sampling
Capture,
mark,
immobile
walls, no ------------------hyphae called
--------------which
isthe
inoculated
into the body
other
esp.
*technique
Members
ofand
T bound
large carnivorous
fish
Bruguiera
sp. zone
- ------------------,
algae,
protozoa
* microorganisms,
Competition
between
release
and
nuclei
organelles.
they
have
[1 mark]
no
- membrane-bound
nuclei and
organelles.
to toReplace
study
and
recapture
----------------- species
examples :
induce
the
production
ofsp.
bacteria
photosynthetic
------------species
the
Rhizophora
------------------(a) (d) Explain
why there arenonrarely more Sampling
than four or-five
trophic levels
in a food chain.
------------------or both
- photosynthetic
yeast
estimate andSmall
the fish
To, heterotrophic
estimate the
compete
for
the
same
-------------------.
Example
:
BCG
- examples
:Examples:
Disinfectants
Antiseptics
*
techniques
The
roots
------------------more
silt
and
mud.
photosynthetic
population size
population size
...
- have ------------------- cell
Animalia
Organisms
Human
Wolf
Frog
mucor
sp.------------------mushroomsto
resources.
ofsolutions
1.
Paramecium
of and
walls
used
to
------------------used
on
cuts
Modify
the: ------------------- structure. spirogyra
sp.value
amoeba
sp. paramecium sp.
Formula
- ---------------------------------- typical
shapes:
rod,
Genus
Canus
Rana
Aspects
pH
----------------------------------...
* Examples:
(number
of individuals
in
the
first
sample)
round,spiral
-------------and
- the eukaryotes
aspects
such
as lower
temperatures
and
low palm
surgical
equipment,
killthe
kill
and
inhibit
theaurelia
growth
of
Species
lupis
pipiens
Terrestrial
plants
like
nipah
and
------------------- examples
Water fleas x
mosquito
larvae :
water snails
- the population distribution of
- well-------------------tissues
1.
Paramecium
Scientific
name
Paramecium
microorganisms
floor.
microorganisms.
Examples :
then
------------------the
bruguiera
-intensities
examples
:mammals,
Green
algae,
large carnivorous
fish, water
tadpoles,
light
are
------------------for
the
growth
of sp. beetle,
- examples
:Population
=on the
Pleurococcus sp. is higher at a neutral
(number
of individuals
in------------------the second
flowering
plants
fern
-------------aurelia------------------Cyanobacteria,
Types
of
competition
E Species
Dsnails,
B larvae
A------------------fishto
reptiles
Examples
: the
phenol,
acriflavin,
Terrestrial
forest
and
thenfish,
aKingdo
-------------------rainforest
is
Cformaldehyde
QP
Community
Predator
Prey
water
fleas,
water
small
mosquito
estimate
------------------and
-----------------of organisms.
pH
Pleurococcus
sp.
sample)
among
themselves. Green algae
2. maize plants and

paddy plants.
number of marked individuals
recaptured

themselves.

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

GUIDED QUESTION PAPER 3 :QTA 7: Complete the report below

Objective: Estimating the percentage coverage of plants using the quadrat
sampling technique.
Problem statement: What is the percentage coverage for plant species P and Q
in the selected sample?
Hypothesis : ..
Variables
i. manipulated: ..
ii.responding: .
iii. constant: ..
Apparatus: 1m X 1m quadrat
Technique: To estimate ..
Procedure:

Interactions between organisms

1. Survey and select a suitable sampling area.

2. Identify two plant species, P and Q to be sampled in the area.
3.Place ten square quadrats, each 1m 2 on the sampling area randomly.
4. Divide each quadrat into . small quadrat using nails and strings.
Symbiosis

-------------------

-------------------

Competition

5. Each small quadrat measures . (The size of each small quadrat is

.)
6. Count the number of small quadrats for the plant species P. (Count only the
small quadrats
that are covered .
or more by the species.)---------------------------------------------------7. Count the total area covered by the plant species P by multiplying total
number

of covered with the area of one small quadrat (0.01 m 2).

8. Repeat .
9. Record the observation in the table below.

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

10. .. the percentage coverage of species P and Q using the

formula below
Percentage coverage = Total area covered by the species
Number of quadrats X area of one quadrat

X 100%

Result.
Species

Total area

Percentage

Area covered by the species in each

covered by

coverage %

quadrat (1m2))

the species
( m2 )

10

P
Q

Conclusion:
..

Figure 2 represents the energy flow through a food chain consisting of four organisms.
The total energy in the tissue of the green plant is shown in the box.
90%
energy
loss

90%
energy
loss

90%
energy
loss
500 kJ
Green
plant

Primary
consumer

Secondary
consumer

Tertiary
consumer

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

Figure 2
(a) Complete the other boxes to show the total energy in the tissues of each of
the consumer, assuming 90% loss of energy at each of the stage in the
food chain.
[1 mark]
(b) State one process is likely to be responsible for the loses of energy from
one stage to another
..
..
[1 mark]
(c)(i) What is meant by the term producer in the food chain?
.
....
[2 marks]
(ii) State the source from which the producer obtains its energy
....
[1 mark]
(d) (d) Explain why there are rarely more than four or five trophic levels in a food chain.
...
...
...
[2 marks]
(e)

Paddy

caterpillar

sparrow

eagle

Based on the above food chain, explain how the practice of spraying crops with
insecticides, for example DDT can lead the predator being harmed.

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

..
..
.
..
[2 marks]
(g) Construct a food web involving the following organisms found in a freshwater pond.
Start with producers at the bottom of your web )
Green algae, large carnivorous fish, water beetle, tadpoles,
water fleas, water snails, small fish, mosquito larvae

Water beetles
T

large carnivorous fish

Small fish

[3 marks]
Water fleas

mosquito larvae

water snails

Green algae

Interaction between biotic components

Symbiosis
A close interaction between different species which live together and interact with each
other for an extended period of time.
Commensalisms
One

partner

benefits

(commensal)

while

the

other

(host)

derives

neither

benefit nor harm.

Epiphytes

plants which grow on other plants to obtain sunlight and support.

example: pigeon orchids, staghorn ferns and birds nest ferns.

Epizoics
animals which live on the body of other animals
a remora fish gets free transportation and feeds on food scraps left behind by the

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

shark
Mutualism
A relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit.
Example 1: Association of leguminious plants and Rhizobium.
Parasitism
One organism benefits (parasite) while the other is harmed (host).

Types : a. Ectoparasites
b. Endoparasites

Saprophytism
Living organisms obtain food from dead and decaying organic matter

Prey-predator
An organism (prey) is haunted and eaten by a stronger and bigger organism (predator).

An increase in prey population followed by an increase in the predator

population.

When the prey population decreases due to increasing predation or other factors
such as the spread of diseases, the predators food supply becomes limited and
this leads to a decline in the population of predators.

The preypredators regulate each others population in a cyclical manner which

maintains the populations of both organisms in a dynamic equiblibrium

Prey

Haunted by the predator

Predator

Predators usually have long

Smaller in size compared to the predator

canine teeth, sharp vision

The prey population is bigger than the

and sharp claws to capture

predator population

and kill their prey.

The prey relies on speed or camouflage

to avoid being caught by the predators.

Have hooked beaks to tear

the flesh of their prey.

Interactions between organisms

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

Symbiosis

Commensalisms

Saprophytism

Prey-predator

Mutualism

10

Competition

Parasitism

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

11

Questions to answer

Figure 3

Interaction between organism

Fiigure 3 shows a plant species P with green leaves on a tree trunk.
The interaction between species P and the host plant, Q is commensalisms
Species P is a type of epiphyte which is able to synthesise their own food by
photosynthesis process.It grows on the tree trunk to achieve a greater height so that it
can receive more sunlight for photosynthesis process. It does not absorb nutrients from
the host tree .The host tree neither gains nor loses
How species P obtains their needs and adapted to the environment
Roots system
Occupied by ants.
The ants bring all kinds of rubbish and remnants of food to the roots.
These materials gradually decompose into humus.
Leaf

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

12

Arrangement in the form of a basket.

It can collect falling leaves which then decomposes into humus
Corrugated leaves with grooves can direct rainwater and dew to the roots
Leaf with thick cuticle to reduce transpiration.

Questions to answer
Interdependence between organisms is a phenomenon that is always operating between
in a community of organisms.

Figure 4
( a) Name the type of relationship between the mushroom and the decaying branch.

.
[ 1 mark ]
( b) What is the benefit gained by the mushroom through this association in (a)?

.
[ 1 mark ]
( c) State the function of the parts labeled X and Y
X : .
..
Y :.
[ 1 mark ]
( d) Give two important contributions of mushrooms to Man.
(iii)

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM
(iv)

13

.
[2

marks]

Competition

An interaction between organisms to get the same resources that is in

limited supply.

Weaker organisms will migrate or die

Animals compete for shelter, food and breeding mates.

Plants compete for water, nutrients, light and space.

Types of competition

Intraspecific competition
* Members of the same
species compete for the
same resources.
* Examples:
1. Paramecium aurelia
among themselves.
2. maize plants among
themselves.

Interspecific competition
* Competition between
different species
* Examples:
1. Paramecium aurelia
and Paramecium
caudatum
2. maize plants and
paddy plants.

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

14

Figure 4
Figure 4, show an oil palm estate. An oil palm estate is identified as a habitat for owls and rats.
The manager of oil palm estate plans to use biology control to control the population size of rats
which are damaging the oil palm in the estate.
Based on ecological studies, some students have carried out a study to estimate the size of the
rats population between the area of estate. The result obtained are recorded in Table 1
Steps in the collection of
samples
Number of rats captured,
markes and released
Number of rats recaptured 3
days later
Number of marked rats
1

Station X

Station Y

110

70

130

50

60

25

(a) What technique is used for estimating the population of the rat?
..
1 mark]
(b) (i) Give two characteristics of the material used for marking the rat.
..
..
.
[2 marks]

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

15

( b )(ii) Where will you release the rat after they are marked?
..
..
[1 mark]
(c) Why are the rat caught again after three days?

[1 mark]
(e)
(d) Estimate the population of the rat in station X and station Y.
(g)

.
..
........
.
[2 marks]
(e) Give three reasons for the difference in the population of the rat in two
stations.
...
..
.
..
[3 marks]

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

16

8.6 THE PROCESS OF COLONISATION AND SUCCESSION IN AN ECOSYSTEM

Ecosystem
Species

Population

TERM
Species

Community

Ecosystem

MEANING

A group of organisms that look alike and have similar

characteristics, share the same ecological niche and are
capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

For example, duckweeds and water lilies are two different

species of water plants.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in the

same habitat at the same time.

Community

For example, a population of elephants living in a jungle.

Several populations of different species living in the same

habitat in an ecosystem.

Ecosystem

For example, a freshwater pond community.

A community of living organisms interacting with each

other and with the non-living environment.

Niche

Examples : a rainforest, a wetland and a pond

The role of an organism in the ecosystem. Organisms that

undergo metamorphosis in their life cycles occupy different

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

17

niches.

For example, a tadpole lives entirely in water and utilizes

different resources from those of an adult frog which lives
mainly on land.

Habitat

A natural environment where organisms live.

For example, a single tree can be a habitat for caterpillars

and birds.

Colonisation and succession

Mangrove swamp
Figure 5 shows the geographical distribution of mangrove trees along the east
coast.

Figure 5
1 (a) (i) Name the mangrove trees in zone A to D.
A :
B : ..
C : ..
D :
[4 marks]
(ii) Among the mangrove trees stated in (a) (i), which is the pioneer species?

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

18

[2 marks]
(b) State two problems faced by the pioneer species in the colonization of
swampy area.
...

......................................................................................................................................
[2 marks ]
(d) Explain two adaptive characteristics that enable the pioneer species to survive in
the swamp area.
....
. ..
...................

[4 marks]
(d) (i) What is meant by viviparous seedlings?

..

[ 1 mark ]
(d) (ii) What is the benefit of this to the mangrove plant?
.

[1 mark]

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

Avicennia sp. and Sonneratia sp. zone ( pioneer

( A ) Colonisation
and succession
in a mangrove swamp
species
)
Extensive root systems trap and collect sediments.
The soil becomes more compact and firm
The ground becomes higher

Rhizophora sp. zone (successor species)

Replace the pioneer species
The prop roots trap silt and mud.
The soil firmer, drier and less submerged by sea water

Bruguiera sp. zone

Replace the Rhizophora sp.
The roots trap more silt and mud.
Modify the soil structure.
Terrestrial plants like the nipah palm and pandanus
sp. then replace the bruguiera sp.
Terrestrial forest and then a tropical rainforest is
formed after hundred years

19

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

20

(B) Colonisation and succession in a pond

Colonisation by pioneer species
- disused pond, pioneer species
(phytoplankton, algae) and submerged
plant (Hydrilla sp.,Cabomba sp.,elodea
sp.) begin to grow and carry out
photosynthesis.
- when they die and decompose, organic
matter converted into humus at the pond
base, the pond become shallow.

Succession by floating plants

- the condition becomes favourable for
floating plants such as water hyacinths
(Eichornia sp.) and duckweeds (Lemna
sp.)
- they spread covering water surface and
prevent sunlight from reaching the
submerged plant causing these plants to
die since they cannot photosynthesise.
- the decomposed plants add more organic
matter and the pond becomes more
shallow

Succession by emergent plants

- the emergent plants (sedges, cattails)
replace the floating plants.
- they grow from the edge of the pond
towards the middle of the pond as the
pond becomes more shallow.
- when these plants die, their decomposed
remains are added as sediments to the
base of the pond thus reduces the depth
of the pond.

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

21

Succession by land plants

- the condition becomes suitable for land
plants like small herbaceous weeds.
- gradually, the land becomes much drier
- more land plants (shrubs,herbs and large
woody plant) start to grow.

8.3 Population Ecology

GUIDED QUESTION PAPER 3: QTA 8

Climax community
- a jungle emerges and turns into a tropical
rainforest which form a climax
community.

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

22

Lemna minor is a species of free-floating aquatic plants from the duckweed

family Lemnaceae. The plants grow mainly by vegetative reproduction: two
daughter plants bud off from the adult plant.
An experiment is carried out to investigate the effect of abiotic factor such as pH
on Lemna sp. growth. Experiment is done under controlled conditions: 12 hours a
day light exposure and using the same Knops solution.
Petri dish is filled with 20 ml Knops solution with different pH value and 5 Lemna
sp. each.
The Knops solution is treated by adding acid or alkali to achieve the pH value
needed.
** Knops solution is a solution which contains essential nutrient for plants
growth.
Petri dish
Knops solution
Lemna minor
Figure 1
After 7 days, the observation is made and the result shown in Table 1.
.

Figure x : The impact of microorganisms on life

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

23

Microorganisms are found everywhere on the surface of the earth. Many types of microorganisms
are harmless and are actually quite beneficial to humans.
(a) State 5 types of microorganisms found on earth.

[2 marks]
th e (b) With example, explain the importance of any 3 types of microorganisms.
.
.
.
.
[3 marks]
(c)(i) From Figure x name 2 groups of nitrogen fixing bacteria and state briefly their
way of life.
.
(c)(ii) What is the meaning of nitrogen fixing bacteria?

(d)

What is compound x ?
.

Table 1
pH
value
2

Petri dish

Number of Lemna sp.

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

24

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

10

12

Based on the experiment, answer all questions below.

25

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM
(a) State the number of Lemna sp. in the spaces provided in Table 1.
[3 marks]
(b) (i) Based on Table 1, state two observations that can be made in this
experiment.
Observation 1: ..

Observation 2: ..

[3 marks]
(ii) State the inference for each observation made in (b) (i).
Inference for observation 1:

Inference for observation 2: :

[3 marks]

2.

Based on the experiment, define operationally the abiotic factor in an

ecosystem.

26

CHAPTER 7 : DYNAMIC
ECOSYSTEM

[3 marks]

27