Biology EOC- Category 5 Review - Environmental Systems

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What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms. It involves processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession is the process of ecological recovery that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact, allowing for the regrowth of plants and animals.

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What is the role of lichens in an ecosystem?

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Lichens are pioneer species that help create soil in barren environments, making it suitable for other plants to grow by breaking down rocks and contributing organic matter.

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Define commensalism. Give an example.

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example is barnacles living on whales.

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What is energy transfer in a food chain?

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Energy transfer in a food chain refers to the flow of energy from one trophic level to another, where only a small percentage of energy (typically about 10%) is passed on to the next level.

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What is a food web?

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

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What is the significance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

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Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, playing a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and supporting plant growth.

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What is the impact of deforestation on carbon dioxide levels?

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Deforestation increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere because trees, which absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, are removed, leading to more CO2 being released.

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What is the difference between mutualism and parasitism?

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Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit, while parasitism is where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

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What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers, such as plants, are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain, providing energy for consumers.