History Flashcards
What is the definition of an environment?
An environment is the surrounding conditions, influences, or forces that affect the development and behavior of organisms.
Name the two main types of environments.
The two main types of environments are natural environments and built environments.
True or False: An ecosystem includes only living organisms.
False
What are biotic components?
Biotic components are the living parts of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
What are abiotic components?
Abiotic components are the non-living physical and chemical elements in an ecosystem, such as water, soil, and air.
Fill in the blank: An example of a natural environment is a _____ .
forest
What is a built environment?
A built environment refers to human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, including buildings, parks, and infrastructure.
Identify one major threat to the environment.
Pollution
True or False: Deforestation is a type of environmental threat.
True
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with one another and their physical environment.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT an abiotic factor? A) Water B) Soil C) Trees
C) Trees
What role do producers play in an ecosystem?
Producers convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.
Define biodiversity.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Fill in the blank: The process by which living organisms adapt to their environment over time is called _____ .
evolution
What is habitat destruction?
Habitat destruction is the process in which natural habitat is rendered unable to support the species present.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a greenhouse gas? A) Oxygen B) Carbon Dioxide C) Nitrogen
B) Carbon Dioxide
True or False: Climate change is considered a threat to ecosystems.
True
What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Fill in the blank: The interaction between organisms of different species is known as _____ .
symbiosis
What is pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.
Identify one consequence of climate change.
Rising sea levels
Multiple Choice: Which ecosystem is characterized by high rainfall and diverse species? A) Desert B) Tundra C) Rainforest
C) Rainforest
What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?
The Sun
True or False: All ecosystems are self-sustaining.
False
Define ecological footprint.
An ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of an individual or population in terms of the amount of land and water required to produce the resources consumed and absorb the wastes generated.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the area where an organism lives and finds its food, shelter, and mates.
niche
What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?
Consumers are organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
Identify one effect of habitat fragmentation.
Loss of biodiversity
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an invasive species? A) Native Oak Tree B) Asian Carp C) American Eagle
B) Asian Carp
True or False: Overexploitation of resources can lead to extinction.
True
What is the significance of wetlands in an ecosystem?
Wetlands provide critical habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants, and help control flooding.
Fill in the blank: _____ refers to the gradual process of change and replacement in the composition of the species in a community.
Ecological succession
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: Ecosystems can only exist in natural environments.
False
Identify one method to reduce pollution.
Recycling
Multiple Choice: Which factor is NOT considered an abiotic component? A) Temperature B) Light C) Insects
C) Insects
What is the primary cause of species extinction?
Human activities
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a measure of the variety of species within a particular habitat.
species richness
What is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem?
Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.
True or False: All ecosystems are affected by climate change.
True
Define sustainable development.
Sustainable development is the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What is desertification?
Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
carrying capacity
Identify one benefit of biodiversity.
Increased ecosystem resilience
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a renewable resource? A) Coal B) Solar Energy C) Natural Gas
B) Solar Energy
What is the main goal of conservation efforts?
To protect and restore biodiversity and natural habitats.
