7.5 Ecosystem Dynamics Midpoint

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (air, water, soil) in a specific area.

Front

Define abiotic factors.

Back

Abiotic factors are the non-living parts of the environment that affect what can live there, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and minerals.

Front

What are biotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

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

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers (plants) to obtain energy, such as herbivores.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers (herbivores) to obtain energy, such as carnivores.

Front

What happens to populations when resources are limited?

Back

When resources are limited, competition increases among organisms for survival, leading to potential decreases in population sizes.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to recycle matter in the ecosystem.

Front

How does converting land to farmland affect ecosystems?

Back

Converting land to farmland typically leads to a decrease in plant and animal populations due to habitat loss and changes in the environment.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

Competition occurs when organisms vie for the same limited resources, such as food, water, or space.