Ecology and Ecosystems STAAR

Front

What are producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the base of the food web.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting new plant growth.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, such as intestinal bacteria providing vitamin K to humans.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow.

Front

What is the difference between a population and a community?

Back

A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area, while a community includes all the different species in that area.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability, allowing it to better withstand environmental changes.

Front

What is the role of omnivores in a food web?

Back

Omnivores are organisms that eat both plants and animals, playing a crucial role in transferring energy across different trophic levels.

Front

What is the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems?

Back

Overfishing can lead to the decline of fish populations, disrupting food webs and causing an overgrowth of algae due to reduced herbivores.