Category 5: Interdependence within Environmental Systems

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What is ecological succession?

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Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of stages that lead to a stable community.

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What is primary succession?

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

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact, such as after a forest fire.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

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What is an energy pyramid?

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An energy pyramid is a graphical representation of the energy flow in an ecosystem, showing the energy available at each trophic level.

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What is a trophic level?

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A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by how organisms obtain energy, such as producers, primary consumers, and secondary consumers.

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What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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What is the difference between native and nonnative species?

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Native species are those that naturally occur in a specific area, while nonnative species are introduced from other regions and can disrupt local ecosystems.

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What is competition in ecology?

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

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What is predation?

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Predation is an interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts and consumes another organism (the prey) for food.