Flashcard 11 (Changes to Ecosystems, LS2-2) Practice

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

What are invasive species?

Back

Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health.

Front

How can floods positively impact an ecosystem?

Back

Floods can create new habitats, replenish nutrients in the soil, and help certain species adapt and thrive.

Front

What is the primary cause of invasive species introduction?

Back

Human actions, such as trade, travel, and agriculture, are the primary causes of invasive species introduction.

Front

What happens to herbivores when their food source decreases?

Back

Herbivores may decrease in population or vanish if their food source becomes scarce.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

Competition occurs when two or more species or individuals vie for the same resources, such as food, water, or space.

Front

What role do predators play in an ecosystem?

Back

Predators help control the population of prey species, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Front

What is adaptation?

Back

Adaptation is a process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment through changes in behavior, physiology, or structure.

Front

How do human actions impact ecosystems?

Back

Human actions can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change, all of which can negatively affect ecosystems.

Front

What is the food chain?

Back

The food chain is a sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem, starting from producers to consumers.