Unit 4: Ecology improved

Question 1

Term: Ecosystem

Answer 1

Definition: A community of living organisms and their abiotic environment.

Question 2

Term: Autotroph

Answer 2

Definition: An organism that produces its own food through processes like photosynthesis.

Question 3

Term: (Primary) Producer

Answer 3

Definition: Organisms, usually plants, that produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Question 4

Term: Heterotroph

Answer 4

Definition: An organism that obtains its energy by consuming other organisms.

Question 5

Term: Consumer

Answer 5

Definition: Organisms that consume other organisms for energy.

Question 6

Term: Chemosynthesis*

Answer 6

Definition: The synthesis of organic compounds using energy derived from inorganic chemical reactions.

Question 7

Term: Respiration

Answer 7

Definition: The process by which cells break down organic compounds to release energy.

Question 8

Term: Photosynthesis

Answer 8

Definition: The process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

Question 9

Term: Ecological Pyramid

Answer 9

Definition: A graphical representation of the distribution of energy or biomass among trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Question 10

Term: Trophic Level

Answer 10

Definition: Each level in a food chain or ecological pyramid, representing a position in the energy flow.

Question 11

Term: Carnivore

Answer 11

Definition: An organism that primarily feeds on other animals.

Question 12

Term: Omnivore

Answer 12

Definition: An organism that eats both plants and animals.

Question 13

Term: Scavenger

Answer 13

Definition: An organism that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter.

Question 14

Term: Food Chain

Answer 14

Definition: A linear sequence of organisms, each serving as a source of food for the next.

Question 15

Term: Food Web

Answer 15

Definition: A complex, interconnected network of food chains in an ecosystem.

Question 16

Term: Atmosphere

Answer 16

Definition: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Question 17

Term: Hydrosphere

Answer 17

Definition: All the water on Earth.

Question 18

Term: Geosphere

Answer 18

Definition: The solid part of the Earth, including the rocks, soil, and land.

Question 19

Term: Nitrogen Cycle

Answer 19

Definition: The cycling of nitrogen between the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.

Question 20

Term: Carbon Cycle

Answer 20

Definition: The cycling of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

Question 21

Term: Combustion

Answer 21

Definition: The process where organic matter burns in the presence of oxygen, releasing heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water.

Question 22

Term: Decomposer

Answer 22

Definition: Organisms that break down dead organic matter into detritus.

Question 23

Term: Detritivore*

Answer 23

Definition: Organisms that consume detritus (small pieces of decomposing plant and animal remains).

Question 24

Term: Herbivore

Answer 24

Definition: An organism that primarily feeds on plants.

Question 25

Term: Keystone Species

Answer 25

Definition: A species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem.

Question 26

Term: Symbiosis

Answer 26

Definition: Any close and long-term interaction between different biological species.

Question 27

Term: Commensalism

Answer 27

Definition: A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Question 28

Term: Mutualism

Answer 28

Definition: A symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit.

Question 29

Term: Parasitism

Answer 29

Definition: A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits, and the other is harmed.

Question 30

Term: Interspecies (Interspecific) Competition

Answer 30

Definition: Competition between members of different species for limited resources.

Question 31

Term: Intraspecies (Intraspecific) Competition

Answer 31

Definition: Competition among members of the same species for limited resources.

Question 32

Term: Carrying Capacity

Answer 32

Definition: The maximum population size that an environment can support over the long term.

Question 33

Term: Exponential Growth (J)

Answer 33

Definition: Population growth that occurs when resources are unlimited, resulting in a J-shaped curve.

Question 34

Term: Logistic Growth (S)

Answer 34

Definition: Population growth that slows and stabilizes as the population approaches the carrying capacity, resulting in an S-shaped curve.

Question 35

Term: Population Distribution

Answer 35

Definition: The spatial arrangement of individuals within a population.

Question 36

Term: Population Density

Answer 36

Definition: The number of individuals per unit of area or volume.

Question 37

Term: Density-Dependent Factor

Answer 37

Definition: Factors that impact population growth differently depending on the population density, such as food shortages, space limitations, waste accumulation, and disease.

Question 38

Term: Density-Independent Factor

Answer 38

Definition: Factors that impact population growth regardless of population density, such as weather, floods, fires, etc.

Question 39

Term: Succession

Answer 39

Definition: A series of somewhat predictable events that occur in a community over time, leading to changes in species composition and ecosystem structure.

Question 40

Term: Greenhouse Effect

Answer 40

Definition: The process in which certain gases trap sunlight energy in Earth’s atmosphere, leading to an increase in temperature.