Ecosystems Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.
True or False: Ecosystems can be both natural and artificial.
True
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
Fill in the blank: The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy is called __________.
photosynthesis
What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?
Producers, such as plants, convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a biotic factor in an ecosystem? A) Plants B) Animals C) Soil D) Fungi
C) Soil
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 matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
True
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Fill in the blank: The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely is called __________.
carrying capacity
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary consumer? A) Grass B) Rabbit C) Fox D) Hawk
B) Rabbit
What is an ecological niche?
An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.
True or False: Trophic levels indicate the position of organisms in a food web.
True
What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?
A habitat is the physical environment where an organism lives, while a niche is the role it plays in that environment.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which energy is lost at each trophic level in a food chain.
Energy transfer inefficiency
Multiple Choice: Which of the following ecosystems has the highest biodiversity? A) Desert B) Tropical rainforest C) Tundra D) Grassland
B) Tropical rainforest
What is succession in an ecosystem?
Succession is the gradual process of change and replacement in the species composition of a community over time.
True or False: Primary succession occurs in an area where no soil exists.
True
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 feed on both producers and consumers.
Omnivores
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an abiotic factor? A) Bacteria B) Temperature C) Trees D) Insects
B) Temperature
What is the significance of energy pyramids in ecosystems?
Energy pyramids illustrate the energy flow and loss at each trophic level in an ecosystem.
True or False: Ecosystem stability refers to the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time.
True
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a non-native species that spreads widely in a new habitat and can cause harm to the ecosystem.
Fill in the blank: The __________ cycle describes the movement of water through the ecosystem.
water
Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes is part of the carbon cycle? A) Photosynthesis B) Respiration C) Decomposition D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in ecosystems?
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, thus playing a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle.
True or False: Climate change can alter the structure and function of ecosystems.
True
What impact do human activities have on ecosystems?
Human activities can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the gradual increase in temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Global warming
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of deforestation? A) Increased biodiversity B) Habitat loss C) Climate stabilization D) Soil enrichment
B) Habitat loss
