Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Front

What is the term for the largest number of individuals of a population that an environment can support?

Back

Carrying capacity

Front

If the bird population decreases, which populations are likely to increase as a result?

Back

Bees and grasshoppers

Front

What is a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, and if removed, would drastically change the ecosystem?

Back

Keystone species

Front

What do you call an animal that eats both plants and animals?

Back

Omnivore

Front

What do you call an animal that eats dead plants and animals?

Back

Detritivore

Front

What happens to population growth when it nears its carrying capacity?

Back

Population growth slows and the birth rate and death rate become equal.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What is 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.

Front

What is the significance of trophic levels in an ecosystem?

Back

Trophic levels represent the hierarchical positions of organisms in a food chain, indicating their role in energy transfer.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

Back

The sun.