biology Flashcards
ecosystem
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with one another and their physical environment.
True or False: Ecosystems only include living organisms.
False
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the largest level of organization in ecology.
Biosphere
What is a habitat?
A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism lives.
What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?
Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a primary consumer? A) Rabbit B) Deer C) Hawk D) Grasshopper
C) Hawk
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.
True or False: Decomposers break down dead organic material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
True
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole.
Fill in the blank: The __________ level of organization in ecology includes populations of different species.
Community
What is the difference between a population and a community?
A population consists of individuals of the same species, while a community includes multiple populations of different species.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an abiotic factor? A) Soil B) Plants C) Animals D) Bacteria
A) Soil
What is an ecological niche?
An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.
True or False: All ecosystems are self-sustaining.
False
What is carrying capacity?
Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.
Fill in the blank: __________ are organisms that eat primary consumers.
Secondary consumers
What is a trophic level?
A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by the number of energy transfer steps from primary producers.
Multiple choice: Which of the following best describes a keystone species? A) A species that is abundant in an ecosystem B) A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment C) A species that is at the top of the food chain D) A species that migrates seasonally
B) A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment
What is ecological succession?
Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.
True or False: Invasive species can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem.
True
What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
The sun
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which carbon is cycled through the environment.
The carbon cycle
What is a biome?
A biome is a large geographical area characterized by specific climate conditions and distinct plant and animal communities.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial biome? A) Coral reef B) Desert C) Freshwater D) Estuary
B) Desert
What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle?
The nitrogen cycle is crucial for converting nitrogen into forms that living organisms can use, thus supporting life.
True or False: Ecosystems can be affected by human activities.
True
