Biology 2 Flashcards
What are decomposers?
Organisms that break down dead organic material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
True or False: Decomposers are only bacteria.
False
Fill in the blank: Decomposers include fungi, bacteria, and __________.
detritivores
What role do decomposers play in the ecosystem?
They recycle nutrients and help in the decomposition of organic matter.
Which of the following is NOT a type of decomposer? A) Fungi B) Earthworms C) Oak trees
C) Oak trees
What is the process of decomposition?
The breakdown of dead organic matter into simpler organic or inorganic matter.
True or False: Decomposition occurs faster in warm, moist environments.
True
What are detritivores?
Organisms that feed on dead organic matter, such as earthworms and some insects.
Which process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere?
Decomposition
Fill in the blank: The byproducts of decomposition enrich the __________.
soil
What is the significance of decomposers in nutrient cycling?
They convert dead matter into nutrients that can be reused by plants.
Name one major impact of decomposers on the ecosystem.
They help maintain soil health by breaking down organic material.
True or False: Decomposers can only break down animal matter.
False
What is the primary role of fungi in decomposition?
To break down complex organic substances and release nutrients.
Which type of decomposition occurs in the absence of oxygen?
Anaerobic decomposition
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a benefit of decomposition? A) Increases pollution B) Recycles nutrients C) Decreases biodiversity
B) Recycles nutrients
What is humus?
A dark organic material in soil formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter.
Fill in the blank: The activity of decomposers can affect the __________ of an ecosystem.
biodiversity
What are the two main types of decomposers?
Microbial decomposers (like bacteria) and macro-decomposers (like fungi and earthworms).
True or False: Decomposers only function in terrestrial ecosystems.
False
What is the relationship between decomposers and primary producers?
Decomposers recycle nutrients that primary producers need to grow.
Name one factor that influences the rate of decomposition.
Temperature, moisture, or the type of organic material.
Fill in the blank: Decomposers are essential for the process of __________.
sustainability
What happens to nutrients during decomposition?
They are mineralized and made available for uptake by plants.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of reduced decomposer activity? A) Increased soil fertility B) Decreased nutrient availability C) Enhanced plant growth
B) Decreased nutrient availability
What is a food chain?
Feeding relationship involving the transfer of energy through food from producer to consumer in a linear form
True or False: A food chain can have multiple starting points.
False: A food chain typically starts with a primary producer.
Fill in the blank: In a food chain, the primary consumers are usually __________.
herbivores
What role do producers play in a food chain?
Producers, such as plants, convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Which of the following is NOT a type of consumer? A) Herbivore B) Carnivore C) Decomposer D) Producer
D) Producer
What is a food web?
A food web is a complex feeding relationship among organisms in the same environment with two or more interrelated food chains.
True or False: Food webs provide a more accurate representation of feeding relationships than food chains.
True
What do decomposers do in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Fill in the blank: In a food chain, the organism at the top is called the __________.
apex predator
What is the main difference between a food chain and a food web?
A food chain is a simple linear path of energy flow, while a food web consists of multiple interconnected food chains.
Which trophic level do herbivores occupy?
Herbivores occupy the primary consumer level.
True or False: Energy decreases as you move up the trophic levels in a food chain.
True
What is the primary source of energy for most food chains?
The primary source of energy is sunlight.
Name one example of a primary consumer.
Examples include rabbits, deer, and insects.
Fill in the blank: The process of transferring energy from one trophic level to the next is called __________.
trophic transfer
What happens to energy as it moves up the food chain?
Energy is lost at each trophic level, usually as heat.
Which organisms are typically at the top of a food chain?
Apex predators, such as lions or sharks, are typically at the top.
True or False: All organisms in a food web are directly connected to one another.
False: Not all organisms are directly connected; some may be linked through multiple pathways.
What is a trophic level?
A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by the number of energy transfers from the primary producers.
Fill in the blank: Organisms that eat both producers and consumers are called __________.
omnivores
What is the role of a secondary consumer?
A secondary consumer eats primary consumers and is typically a carnivore or omnivore.
Name one example of a decomposer.
Examples include fungi and bacteria.
True or False: Food webs can change over time due to environmental factors.
True
What is the significance of keystone species in a food web?
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, influencing many other species.
