Roles of viruses, bacteria, Protista and fungi in maintaining balance in the environment

Question 1

What are the primary producers in food chains?

Answer 1

Autotrophic bacteria, phytoplankton, and algae

These organisms manufacture their own food through photosynthesis.

Question 2

What is the waste product of photosynthesis that is available for respiration?

Answer 2

Oxygen

Oxygen is essential for the respiration of other organisms.

Question 3

Who are the main decomposers in ecosystems?

Answer 3

Bacteria and fungi

These organisms break down dead plant and animal remains.

Question 4

What term refers to organisms that break down dead organic matter to obtain nutrients?

Answer 4

Saprophytes

Saprophytes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling.

Question 5

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Answer 5

Convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia and nitrates

This conversion is essential for plant nutrition.

Question 6

In what form can higher plants utilize nitrogen?

Answer 6

Nitrates

Bacteria assist in converting nitrogen to this usable form.

Question 7

What process returns nitrogen to the atmosphere after plants and animals die?

Answer 7

Denitrification

This process is carried out by de-nitrifying bacteria.

Question 8

Define symbiosis.

Answer 8

The living together of two or more species of organisms

Symbiotic relationships can vary in their effects on the organisms involved.

Question 9

What type of symbiosis benefits both organisms?

Answer 9

Mutualism

An example of mutualism is lichens.

Question 10

What type of symbiotic relationship occurs when one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed?

Answer 10

Commensalism

In this relationship, one organism gains while the other remains unaffected.

Question 11

What is the type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other?

Answer 11

Parasitism

This relationship can harm the host organism.