Ecosystems

Question 1

Define Sustainable resource

Answer 1

A renewable resource which is being economically exploited in such a way that it will not diminish or run out

Question 2

Define ecosystem

Answer 2

All the interacting living organisms and non living conditions in an area

Question 3

Define decomposition

Answer 3

Chemical reactions in which a compound is broken down into simpler compounds or its constituent elements

Question 4

Define interspecific competition

Answer 4

Competition between organisms of different species

Question 5

Define intraspecific competition

Answer 5

Competition between organisms of the same species

Question 6

Define ecological efficiency

Answer 6

The efficiency with which energy or biomass is transferred from one trophies level to the next

Question 7

Define climax community

Answer 7

Final stage of succession, where the community is said to be in a stable state

Question 8

Define biomass

Answer 8

Mass of living material

Question 9

Define hummus

Answer 9

The organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms

Question 10

Define decomposer

Answer 10

An organism that breaks down dead organisms releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem

Question 11

Define trophic level

Answer 11

Stage in a food chain

Question 12

Define plagioclimax

Answer 12

The stage in succession where artificial or natural factors prevent the natural climax community from forming

Question 13

Define carrying capacity

Answer 13

The maximum population size that an environment can support

Question 14

Define dominant species

Answer 14

The most abundant species in an ecosystem

Question 15

Define seral stages

Answer 15

The stages of succession