Ecology Review

Front

What are producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms that can make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, such as plants and algae. They form the base of the energy pyramid.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

Carrying capacity is the largest number of individuals of a population that an environment can support sustainably without degrading the habitat.

Front

What do we call organisms that eat both plants and animals?

Back

Omnivores are organisms that consume both plant and animal matter.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed, such as a bird nesting in a tree.

Front

What type of succession occurs in an area where no soil exists?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is the role of herbivores in an ecosystem?

Back

Herbivores are organisms that primarily eat plants, playing a crucial role in transferring energy from producers to higher trophic levels.

Front

Define carnivores.

Back

Carnivores are organisms that primarily eat other animals, playing a role in controlling prey populations.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas without soil, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but soil remains.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit, such as bees pollinating flowers while feeding on nectar.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.