Microorganisms Flashcards
Microorganisms
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: Producers are at the beginning of a food chain.
True
Fill in the blank: In a food chain, __________ are organisms that produce their own food.
producers
What role do consumers play in a food chain?
Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms for energy.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary consumer? A) Grass B) Rabbit C) Fox
B) Rabbit
What is a food web?
A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
True or False: Decomposers break down dead organic material.
True
Fill in the blank: __________ are microorganisms that help in the decay process.
Decomposers
What is the role of microorganisms in the food chain?
Microorganisms decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of consumer? A) Herbivore B) Carnivore C) Fungus
C) Fungus
What is the top predator in a food chain called?
Apex predator
True or False: Herbivores are always primary consumers.
True
Fill in the blank: The process by which dead organisms are broken down is called __________.
decay
What are the two main types of consumers?
Herbivores and carnivores.
Multiple Choice: Which organism is a secondary consumer? A) Deer B) Wolf C) Grass
B) Wolf
What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Decomposers recycle nutrients and help maintain soil fertility.
True or False: All organisms in a food web are interconnected.
True
Fill in the blank: __________ are organisms that eat both plants and animals.
Omnivores
What is biomass in the context of a food chain?
Biomass refers to the total mass of living matter in a specific area or volume.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a decomposer? A) Bacteria B) Rabbit C) Tree
A) Bacteria
What is the energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels?
Energy transfer efficiency is typically around 10%.
True or False: The number of trophic levels in a food chain can vary.
True
Fill in the blank: The first trophic level consists of __________.
producers
What is a trophic level?
A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by how organisms obtain energy.
Multiple Choice: What is the main source of energy for producers? A) Soil B) Sunlight C) Water
B) Sunlight
What happens to energy as it moves up the food chain?
Energy decreases as it moves up the food chain due to energy loss through metabolic processes.
True or False: All food chains start with a herbivore.
False
Fill in the blank: __________ break down organic matter into simpler substances.
Decomposers
What is a scavenger?
A scavenger is an animal that feeds on dead organisms.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of removing a top predator from an ecosystem? A) Overpopulation of prey B) Increase in biodiversity C) Decrease in energy transfer
A) Overpopulation of prey
What are the main types of microorganisms involved in decay?
Bacteria and fungi.
True or False: Microorganisms can only decompose plant matter.
False
Fill in the blank: The process of breaking down organic matter is essential for __________ recycling.
nutrient
What is the role of sunlight in the food chain?
Sunlight provides the energy necessary for photosynthesis in producers.
Multiple Choice: Which trophic level has the most energy? A) Primary producers B) Primary consumers C) Secondary consumers
A) Primary producers
What is the relationship between food chains and food webs?
Food webs are made up of multiple interconnected food chains.
True or False: Energy can be recycled in an ecosystem.
False
Fill in the blank: __________ are organisms that can produce their own food using sunlight.
Plants
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.
Multiple Choice: In a food web, what represents the flow of energy? A) Arrows B) Dots C) Lines
A) Arrows
What is the effect of pollution on food chains?
Pollution can accumulate in organisms and disrupt food chains by harming species and reducing biodiversity.
True or False: All organisms in a food web are equally important.
False
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem.
Trophic dynamics
What is biomagnification?
Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of toxins increases in organisms at each successive trophic level.
