Intro to Ecology

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What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers, also known as autotrophs, are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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What are apex predators?

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Apex predators are organisms at the top of the food chain that have no natural predators. Examples include owls and foxes.

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Define mutualism in ecological terms.

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Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction, such as bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar.

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What is commensalism? Provide an example.

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Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example is pilot fish following sharks.

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What is an organism?

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An organism is a single living entity that can carry out life processes independently.

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Explain the concept of a food chain.

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A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

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What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

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A food chain is a simple linear pathway of energy flow, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.

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What are decomposers and their role in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

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What is biodiversity and why is it important?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is important for ecosystem resilience and stability.

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Define the term 'habitat'.

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A habitat is the natural environment in which a species or community of species lives and grows.