Biology Reading Notes Outline
Chapter 4: Ecosystems and Communities
Name:______________________________
Period: _________
Date: ____________
Read Chapter 4. As you do so, take notes on the following topics on a separate piece of notebook paper. You will
have to study these for tests, so do not just “answer” the topic questions below- write out the info in an outline
format that contains the detail needed to understand what the topic is and what it means. Leave space between each
topic so you can add to the notes during in-class lectures.
Ch. 4.1- Climate
1. What is the difference between weather and climate?
* What two factors play a significant role in both weather and climate?
2. What factors shape global climate?
*Why is solar energy significant?
*How is Earth’s average temperature determined?
3. What is the greenhouse effect?
*Which gases play a significant role in balancing Earth’s average temperature?
4. How does the tilt of the Earth play a role in heat distribution and variations in climate zones?
5. How are heat and moisture transported in the Biosphere?
Ch 4.2- Niches and Community Interactions
1. What is a niche?
* What are resources in a niche?
* What are physical aspects of a niche?
* What are biological aspects of a niche?
2. When is an organism or group of organisms competing?
3. Explain the competitive exclusion principle:
4. What does it mean when species divide resources?
* How does dividing resources help ensure a species’ survival?
5. Describe a predator-prey relationship and how predators can influence a community.
6. Describe an herbivore-plant relationship and how herbivores can influence a community.
7. What is a keystone species?
*Briefly describe the example of the sea otters that is discussed in your book.
8. Define symbiosis.
9. List, describe, and provide an example of each of the symbiotic relationships.
Ch. 4.3- Succession
1. What is ecological succession?
* What is a pioneer species?
* Describe primary succession; give an example
* Where is primary succession most likely to take place? (see Fig. 4-12)
*Describe secondary succession; give an example
*Where is secondary succession most likely to take place? (see Fig. 4-13)
2. Succession doesn’t always follow the same path. Explain what this means by comparing natural
disturbances and human-caused disturbances.
Ch. 4.4- Biomes
1. What is a biome?
2. How are biomes described?
3. List and describe the 10 major land biomes (pgs. 112-115)
* describe using abiotic and biotic factors
Ch 4.5- Aquatic Ecosystems
1. What environmental factors affect aquatic organisms?
2. List and describe the three water depth zones.
3. With what types of organisms do food webs in these zones begin?
4. What are the three aquatic ecosystems make up the freshwater ecosystems?
5. What is an estuary?
*Describe the changing conditions of an estuary
* Why are estuaries so important?
6. What criteria are used to classify ocean zones?
7. List and describe the three ocean zones.
* List and describe the two zones that comprise the open-ocean zone.
8. Look at Figure 4-23 on page 121 – What would you name a fish like that? 