Natural Science Flashcards
What is the definition of ecology?
Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
True or False: Biodiversity refers only to the number of species in an ecosystem.
False. Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms, including genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity.
Fill in the blank: An ecosystem consists of both _______ and _______ components.
biotic, abiotic
What are abiotic factors? Give two examples.
Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical elements in the environment. Examples include sunlight and water.
What are biotic factors? Give two examples.
Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem. Examples include plants and animals.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary consumer? A) Lion B) Rabbit C) Oak tree
B) Rabbit
What role do producers play in an ecosystem?
Producers, or autotrophs, convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
True or False: Decomposers break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
True.
Fill in the blank: The variety of species in a specific habitat is known as _______.
species diversity
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.
Multiple Choice: Which type of consumer eats primary consumers? A) Herbivore B) Carnivore C) Omnivore
B) Carnivore
What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?
Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, stability, and the provision of ecosystem services.
True or False: Invasive species can negatively impact local biodiversity.
True.
Fill in the blank: The term _______ refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain.
carrying capacity
What is an example of an abiotic factor that affects plant growth?
Soil quality.
Multiple Choice: Which consumer level is primarily responsible for herbivory? A) Primary consumers B) Secondary consumers C) Tertiary consumers
A) Primary consumers
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.
True or False: Ecosystems are static and do not change over time.
False.
Fill in the blank: The study of interactions between organisms and their environment is called _______.
ecology
What is the role of carnivores in an ecosystem?
Carnivores help control the population of herbivores and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Multiple Choice: Which of these is a biotic factor? A) Temperature B) Water C) Fungi
C) Fungi
What is the effect of habitat destruction on biodiversity?
Habitat destruction leads to loss of species and decreases biodiversity.
True or False: All ecosystems have the same level of biodiversity.
False.
Fill in the blank: The interaction between different species in an ecosystem is known as _______.
species interaction
What is an example of a tertiary consumer?
A hawk that eats snakes.
Multiple Choice: Which type of organism is crucial for nutrient cycling? A) Herbivores B) Decomposers C) Producers
B) Decomposers
