Ecology Flashcard

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A relationship between two organisms in which both organisms benefit.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

A relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unharmed.

Front

What happens if a key species is removed from a food web?

Back

The organisms that rely on that species for food will be most affected.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

An organism that eats producers; for example, a rabbit.

Front

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

Back

An organism that produces energy through photosynthesis, such as plants.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

An organism that eats primary consumers; for example, a shrew.

Front

What is a tertiary consumer?

Back

An organism that eats secondary consumers; for example, a hawk.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is competition in ecology?

Back

A relationship where two organisms compete for the same resources, such as food or habitat.

Front

What is the energy pyramid?

Back

A graphical representation showing the energy available at each trophic level in an ecosystem.