Ecology Flashcard

Front

What is an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

Back

An abiotic factor is a non-living component that affects the ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and minerals.

Front

If primary consumers have 100,000 kJ of energy, how much energy is available to tertiary consumers?

Back

1,000 kJ of energy is available to tertiary consumers.

Front

Define trophic level.

Back

A trophic level is each step in the transfer of energy and matter within a biological community.

Front

What percentage of energy is lost as it moves up each trophic level?

Back

90% of energy is lost as it moves up each trophic level.

Front

What is an autotroph?

Back

An autotroph is an organism that produces its own food supply from inorganic compounds, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, or autotrophs, convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

Explain the concept of energy transfer in an ecosystem.

Back

Energy transfer in an ecosystem occurs through food chains and food webs, where energy is passed from producers to consumers, with significant energy loss at each trophic level.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers (plants) and is the second trophic level in a food chain.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers and is typically a carnivore or omnivore.

Front

Describe the difference between a food chain and a food web.

Back

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.