UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Dubinan East, Santiago City 3311

Name: Course, Yr. & Section: Grade:

(Last Name) (First Name) (M.I.)
ID Number: Subject Code: Class Code: Schedule and Rm No.:

ACTIVITY NO. 2:
Ecosystem, Biodiversity, and Conservation
Environmental Science

INSTRUCTION: Use the posted presentation in the Environmental Science Virtual Library to answer the questions asked in each
item. The coverage of this activity are topics 3 (Ecosystem), and 4 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem) of Lesson 1 on Ecology. ANSWERS
MUST BE HANDWRITTEN IN SHORT BOND PAPER. You may also have this activity printed if the device is available. WORK HONESTLY
AND INDEPENDENTLY.

1. Differentiate the six (6) ecological organizations.

a. INDIVIDUAL b. POPULATION c. COMMUNITY d. ECOSYSTEM e. BIOME f. BIOSPHERE

- refers to a - all the members - all the - the living - is a large - is the global sum of all
single organism of a species interacting community and the geographical area ecosystems, including all living
physical environment characterized by organisms and their interactions
of a particular inhabiting a given populations in functioning together specific climate with the atmosphere, land, and
species location a given area as an independent and
conditions, plant and oceans. It encompasses every
relatively stable
system animal communities. part of Earth where life exists.

2. What are the two (2) requirements for an ecosystem to be self-sustaining?

a. FLOW OF ENERGY
b. EXPENDITURE OF ENERGY

3. Name five (5) examples of abiotic and biotic factors.

Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors

a. HUMIDITY a. POLLINATORS
b. MINERALS b. PARASITES
c. SALINITY c. FUNGI
d. WATER d. PLANTS
e. TEMPERATURE e. ANIMALS

4. Identify two (2) organisms that are living together in close association, and briefly describe their relationship.

Name of Organism No. 1: CLOWNFISH No. 2: SEA ANEMONES

- live among the tentacles of sea - the clownfish clean the anemones
Relationship to the anemones, gaining protection from and provide nutrients from their
other Organism predators waste. Both organisms benefit
from this association.
Encircle the
Commensalism Mutualism Parasitism
Type of Symbiosis

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5. Fill the missing items in the Nutritional Relationship Graph, and provide a short definition.

Herbivore
-animal which
eats plants only Predator
- animals which kill and
Autotrophs Carnivore consume their prey
-can synthesize -animal which
Scavengers
their own food eats meat only
-those animals that feed
Living Organisms on other animals that
Heterotrophs Omnivore
they have not killed
-cannot synthesize -an animal which eats
their own food both plants and animals

Detritivores
-feeds on dead
organic matter

Saprophyte
-bacteria and fungi
that feed on dead
organic matter

6. Describe the role of each trophic level in a Food Chain/Web.

Producer Primary Consumer Secondary Consumer Decomposer

- convert energy from the sun - feeds on plants or the - feeds upon other consumers - break down organic wastes
into organic compounds producers and dead organisms to
through photosynthesis. simpler substances
Mostly plants do this.

7. Name four (4) organisms and place them in the energy pyramid. Explain the placement in the space provided.

T
I
t
a
f

8. Define the following terms:

a. Carrying Capacity - the maximum number of organisms the resources of an area can support
b. Steady State - this occurs when the population remains relatively constant over a number of years.
c. Succession - replacement of populations in habitat as it moves toward a stable state
d. Pioneer Organism - The first organisms to inhabit a given location
e. Climax Community - a self-perpetuating community in which populations remain stable and exist in balance with each other and their environment
f. Competition - interaction between organisms or species that vie for the same limited resources, such as food, water, light, or space.
g. Niche - the organism's role in the community, particularly its role in relation to food with other species.
h. Habitat - a place where a plant or animal can get the food, water, shelter and space it needs to live.

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9. By definition, Secondary Succession is the return of an area to its natural vegetation following a disruption or
removal of the original climax community. Here is an example:

“Before a forest fire, the area is a mature, diverse forest. During the fire, the vegetation is destroyed, leaving
scorched soil. Immediately after, pioneer species like grasses colonized the area. Over the next few years, shrubs
and small trees establish themselves, leading to increased plant and animal diversity. In 20 years or more, the
forest can return to a climax community resembling the original ecosystem, though with potential changes in
species composition.”

Why is a lava flow considered primary succession rather than secondary succession, even though it disrupts an
already existing ecosystem?
Because the Lava has already been there before the residents of the ecosystem existed. It has been dormant and witnessed new
generations of flora and fauna. That’s why lava flow is considered primary succession and not secondary succession.

10. What are the three (3) fundamental material cycles in the environment? Enumerate briefly their individual
process.
a. CARBON-OXYGEN CYCLE b. NITROGEN CYCLE c. WATER CYCLE
- and witnessed new generations of flora - Nitrogen gas (N2) in the atmosphere is - Water evaporates from oceans,
and fauna. That’s why lava flow is converted into usable forms like lakes, and rivers, forming clouds
considered primary succession and not ammonia (NH3) by nitrogen-fixing through condensation.
secondary succession. bacteria. - When clouds become heavy,
- In photosynthesis water and carbon - Plants absorb this nitrogen from the soil, water falls back to Earth as
dioxide along with the energy from and animals get nitrogen by consuming precipitation (rain, snow, etc.).
the sun is combined to produce plants. - This water flows into bodies of
glucose (containing energy) and - Decomposers break down dead water or seeps into the ground,
oxygen. organisms, returning nitrogen to the soil. eventually evaporating again,
- Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrogen sustaining the cycle.
compounds back into N2, releasing it into
the atmosphere.

11. Name and briefly characterize the nine (9) biomes of the earth.
Biome Characteristic
A mixed grassland ecosystem with scattered trees, savannas experience seasonal rainfall and are home to
a. Savanna large herbivores like elephants and giraffes.
Dominated by grasses and a few trees, grasslands have moderate rainfall. They include prairies and
b. Grassland savannas, supporting grazing animals like bison and antelope.
Characterized by coniferous forests, this biome has cold temperatures, moderate precipitation, and a short
c. Taiga growing season. It supports animals like moose and bears.
Cold, treeless regions with low temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost. Vegetation includes
d. Tundra mosses, lichens, and low shrubs.
Characterized by low rainfall, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Deserts host specialized plants
e. Desert like cacti and animals adapted to arid conditions.
Found in regions with distinct seasons, this biome features deciduous trees that shed leaves in winter. It
f. Temperate Forest supports diverse wildlife, including deer and various bird species.
Warm and humid, these biomes have high biodiversity and dense vegetation. They receive significant
g. Tropical Rainforest rainfall year-round and support a wide variety of species.
Covers 70% of Earth, including oceans and coral reefs. It hosts diverse species and is crucial for climate
h. Marine regulation and biodiversity.
This biome includes rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It supports diverse aquatic life and is crucial for water
i. Freshwater supply and habitat for many species.

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12. What are the four (4) components of the Biosphere? Briefly describe their role.

Component of the Biosphere Role

Play a vital role in ecosystems by producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis,
a. PLANTS serving as the base of food chains, converting solar energy into chemical energy for other organisms, and
providing habitat and food for animals and microbes.
Feed on plants (herbivores) and other animals (carnivores and omnivores), aid in seed dispersal and pollination,
b. ANIMALS regulate species populations through predation and competition, and contribute to nutrient cycling via waste and
decomposition.
Recycle nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, facilitate nitrogen fixation for plant growth, break down
c. MICROBES pollutants and organic waste for soil and water health, and act as symbionts with plants and animals, aiding in
digestion and nutrient absorption.
Alter ecosystems through agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization, influence the environment via resource
d. MAN extraction and pollution, engage in ecosystem management and conservation, and develop technologies and
policies to promote sustainability.

13. Differentiate the three (3) levels of diversity.

a. Genetic diversity It includes genetic variations within species, both among geographically separated populations
and among individuals within a single population.
b. Species diversity It includes a wide range of species, from microorganisms like viruses and bacteria to multicellular plants,
animals, and fungi.
c. Ecosystems diversity It studies variation in the biological communities in which species Jive, exist and interact.

14. Compare the following: Endemic Species, Endangered Species, and Extinct Species.

Endemic Species Restricted to a particular area and occur nowhere else.

Endangered Species A species of animal or plant that is at risk of extinction
Extinct Species Dying out or termination of a race or species.

15. Name five (5) Direct and Indirect Values of Biodiversity.

Direct Value (Consumptive and Productive Use) Indirect Value (Non-Consumptive Uses)
a. NUTS a. CARBON FIXING
b. LIQUOR b. ABSORBING AND DECOMPOSING POLLUTANTS
c. FISH c. MAINTAINING ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT CYCLES
d. MEAT d. POLLINATION
e. EGG e. MAINTAINING WATER CYCLES

16. Identify and discuss one (1) positive impact and one (1) negative impact of the engineering industry on
biodiversity. For the negative impact, propose two (2) strategies to mitigate its effects.

Positive Impact: SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

The engineering industry can positively impact biodiversity by developing sustainable infrastructure
Discussion: that incorporates green spaces, wildlife corridors, and environmentally friendly designs. This approach
can enhance habitat connectivity and promote species diversity while minimizing habitat destruction.

Negative Impact: HABITAT DESTRUCTION

A significant negative impact of the engineering industry on biodiversity is habitat destruction due to
Discussion: urbanization, construction, and land development. This leads to the loss of ecosystems and the species
that inhabit them.
Implementing Environmental Impact Assessments
Strategy 1:
Promoting Ecological Restoration
Strategy 2:

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17. What priority measure should the government implement to effectively address the issues of poaching and
biological invasions?
The government must implement a higher level of security in areas that have active poaching and biological invasion activities. This will
surely lessen these kind of crimes as it will be harder for these criminals to conduct their negative actions as the area is strict and fully
fully secured. Also, the government should also increase the penalty or consequences for those that commits poaching and biological
invasions. Increase in fines and in duration of imprisonment. We just need to be more strict in terms of fighting these kinds of acts.
A little more effort in security won’t hurt that much as we are protecting species that are in the brink of extinction.

18. Identify five (5) locations in the Philippines that implement In-Situ Conservation and five (5) locations that utilize
Ex-Situ Conservation. For each approach, provide a brief explanation of why the listed locations are classified as
In-Situ or Ex-Situ conservation sites.

In-Situ Conservation Ex-Situ Conservation

a. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park a. Ilagan Sanctuary
b. Bohol Biodiversity Complex b. Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo
c. Mount Apo Natural Park c. Philippine Eagle Center
d. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park d. Manila Zoo
e. Mount Iglit - Baco National Park e. Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society
Explanation: Explanation:
These locations are considered In-Situ as it protects species in These locations are considered Ex-Situ as it emphasizes
their natural habitats. conservation outside a species’ natural habitat.

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