Unit 6 Test

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat. It starts with pioneer species like lichens and mosses.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

Secondary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact, such as after a forest fire.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably.

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, typically with producers at the base and top predators at the apex.

Front

Why do energy pyramids typically have only 3 or 4 trophic levels?

Back

Energy pyramids have only 3 or 4 trophic levels because energy is lost at each level due to metabolism and heat, limiting the number of levels that can be supported.

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

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

Front

What are pioneer species?

Back

Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize previously uninhabited or disturbed environments, playing a crucial role in the process of succession.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and making them available for plants.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients from one level to the next.