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What is aposematic coloration?

Back

Aposematic coloration is a warning coloration used by some animals to signal to predators that they are toxic or unpalatable. An example is the black and yellow bands of a wasp.

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What is commensalism?

Back

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

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, which is essential for soil health and plant growth.

Front

What is mimicry in ecology?

Back

Mimicry is when one species evolves to resemble another species for protection or other advantages. An example is hoverflies mimicking bees.

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What happens to energy as it moves up a food chain?

Back

As energy moves up a food chain, approximately 90% is lost as heat, with only about 10% being transferred to the next trophic level.

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Define a food chain.

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

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What is the difference between producers and consumers?

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Producers are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis (e.g., plants), while consumers are organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms.

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What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?

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Biodiversity enhances ecosystem productivity, stability, and resilience, allowing ecosystems to better withstand environmental changes.

Front

Explain the concept of ecological niche.

Back

An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

Front

What is the role of primary consumers in a food web?

Back

Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers (plants) and are the second trophic level in a food web.