Ecosystems, Food Chains & Food Webs

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

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What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

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Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how different organisms in an ecosystem are related through feeding relationships.

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What are decomposers and their role in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting the growth of producers.

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What does it mean for a species to be extinct?

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A species is considered extinct when there are no remaining individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world.

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What is the significance of keystone species in an ecosystem?

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Keystone species are crucial for maintaining the structure of an ecosystem; their removal can lead to significant changes and loss of biodiversity.

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How do predators affect prey populations?

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Predators help control prey populations, preventing overpopulation and promoting a balanced ecosystem.

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What is carrying capacity?

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Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.

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What is the difference between scarcity and extinction?

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Scarcity refers to a population being too small or few in number, while extinction means that no individuals of that species exist anymore.

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