Ecology Review

Front

What is carrying capacity in an ecosystem?

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably without degrading the habitat.

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What is genetic variation and why is it important?

Back

Genetic variation refers to the diversity of genes within a population. It is important because it enhances a population's ability to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers (plants) to obtain energy. Examples include herbivores like rabbits and deer.

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What are secondary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers. They can be carnivores or omnivores, such as snakes and some birds.

Front

What is the difference between immigration and emigration?

Back

Immigration is the movement of individuals into a population, while emigration is the movement of individuals out of a population.

Front

How does an increase in birth rate affect a population?

Back

An increase in birth rate leads to a larger population size, assuming death rates and emigration remain constant.

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 role of predators in an ecosystem?

Back

Predators help control the population sizes of prey species, which can prevent overgrazing and maintain balance in the ecosystem.

Front

What is habitat loss and its impact on species?

Back

Habitat loss is the destruction or alteration of natural environments, leading to decreased biodiversity and increased risk of extinction for species.

Front

What is the significance of a population being small and isolated?

Back

Small and isolated populations are at greater risk of extinction due to reduced genetic diversity, inbreeding, and vulnerability to environmental changes.