Ecology Review

Front

What does an energy pyramid represent?

Back

The amount of energy available to the next 'feeder' in a food web.

Front

What is mutualism in ecology?

Back

A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit.

Front

What role do plants typically play in a food chain?

Back

Producers.

Front

What is the result of gradual changes in plant communities in a sand dune ecosystem?

Back

Greater species diversity.

Front

What type of symbiosis occurs when skunks live in burrows abandoned by woodchucks?

Back

Commensalism.

Front

Define producers in an ecosystem.

Back

Organisms that produce energy available for other organisms, typically through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers eat producers, while secondary consumers eat primary consumers.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

Explain the concept of carrying capacity.

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.

Front

What is the role of sunlight in an ecosystem?

Back

Sunlight is the primary energy source for photosynthesis, which supports producers.