Ecosystems Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
True or False: Ecosystems only include living organisms.
False
Fill in the blank: The two main components of an ecosystem are __________ and __________.
biotic factors, abiotic factors
What are biotic factors?
Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
What are abiotic factors?
Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, water, and temperature.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species within an ecosystem.
True or False: Higher biodiversity generally leads to more stable ecosystems.
True
What is a food chain?
A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another.
What is a food web?
A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
What role do producers play in an ecosystem?
Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
What are consumers?
Consumers are organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms.
What is a primary consumer?
A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers, typically herbivores.
What is a secondary consumer?
A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers, typically carnivores.
What is a decomposer?
Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.
Fill in the blank: The process by which plants use sunlight to make food is called __________.
photosynthesis
What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle in ecosystems?
The nitrogen cycle is essential for converting nitrogen into forms that plants can use for growth.
True or False: Energy is recycled in ecosystems.
False
What is carrying capacity?
Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.
What are limiting factors?
Limiting factors are environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population.
What is ecological succession?
Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.
What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, while secondary succession occurs in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed.
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a non-native species that spreads rapidly in a new environment and disrupts local ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: __________ are organisms that can produce their own food.
Autotrophs
What is a trophic level?
A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, including producers, primary consumers, and higher-level consumers.
What does the term ‘energy pyramid’ refer to?
An energy pyramid is a graphical representation showing the energy available at each trophic level in an ecosystem.
What is a biome?
A biome is a large geographical area that is characterized by specific climate conditions and distinct plant and animal communities.
Name one example of a terrestrial biome.
Desert, forest, grassland, tundra
What is an aquatic biome?
An aquatic biome is a biome that consists of water environments, including freshwater and marine ecosystems.
True or False: All ecosystems have the same structure and function.
False
What is the role of keystone species?
Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
Ecology
What is a habitat?
A habitat is the natural environment in which a species lives and thrives.
What is a niche?
A niche is the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.
What is the significance of pollinators in ecosystems?
Pollinators are crucial for the reproduction of many plants, which in turn supports the entire food web.
Name one human activity that can negatively impact ecosystems.
Deforestation, pollution, urbanization
What is conservation?
Conservation is the practice of protecting and managing natural resources and biodiversity.
True or False: Climate change can affect ecosystems.
True
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth’s surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What is sustainability in the context of ecosystems?
Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain ecological balance and resource availability for future generations.
What is an ecological footprint?
An ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of an individual or population in terms of resource consumption and waste generation.
