Ecology Review Flashcardzes

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead consumers and producers, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What are primary producers?

Back

Primary producers are organisms at the bottom of a food chain that make their own food, typically through photosynthesis.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is an example of a pioneer species?

Back

Lichen is an example of a pioneer species that can colonize barren environments.

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, causing harm.

Front

What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms (producers or other consumers) for energy.

Front

What is the difference between herbivores and carnivores?

Back

Herbivores eat only plants, while carnivores eat only other animals.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.