19. Organisms and their Environment Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
True or False: Biotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem.
False
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem.
niche
What are producers in an ecosystem?
Producers are organisms that can make their own food, typically through photosynthesis.
Name one example of a primary consumer.
Herbivores, such as rabbits or deer.
What is the main source of energy for most ecosystems?
The sun
True or False: Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in an ecosystem.
True
What is a food chain?
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a top predator? A) Grass B) Rabbit C) Fox D) Hawk
D) Hawk
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Fill in the blank: An organism’s __________ is its home and the conditions it requires to live.
habitat
True or False: All organisms in an ecosystem are dependent on each other.
True
What is a trophic level?
A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients.
Name one abiotic factor that affects ecosystems.
Temperature, water, sunlight, soil.
What is meant by the term ‘carrying capacity’?
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of a climax community? A) High biodiversity B) Frequent disturbances C) Low stability D) Rapid changes
A) High biodiversity
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.
Fill in the blank: __________ are organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
Consumers
True or False: Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria.
True
What is an adaptation?
An adaptation is a characteristic that improves an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
What role do fungi play in ecosystems?
Fungi act as decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a biotic factor? A) Water B) Temperature C) Plants D) Soil
C) Plants
What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?
A habitat is where an organism lives, while a niche is the role or function of that organism in the ecosystem.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Photosynthesis
True or False: Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems.
True
What is the role of a herbivore in a food web?
Herbivores consume producers and transfer energy to higher trophic levels.
What is ecological succession?
Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a secondary consumer? A) Grass B) Rabbit C) Fox D) Hawk
C) Fox
What is a biome?
A biome is a large geographical biotic unit, a major community of plants and animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.
Fill in the blank: __________ are organisms that break down dead material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Decomposers
True or False: Energy is lost at each trophic level of a food chain.
True
What is the significance of pollinators in ecosystems?
Pollinators are crucial for the reproduction of many plants, which supports food webs.
What is meant by ‘symbiosis’?
Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species.
Fill in the blank: In a food web, __________ are organisms that eat both plants and animals.
omnivores
What is the primary cause of habitat destruction?
Human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution.
