Ecology Review-Biology

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms. It involves processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Front

What role do producers play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Producers, such as plants, take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into organic matter.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

Secondary succession is the process of ecological recovery that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction, such as leaf-cutter ants and fungi.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed, such as the relationship between a remora fish and a shark.

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What is predation?

Back

Predation is an interaction where one organism (the predator) kills and eats another organism (the prey).

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability, allowing ecosystems to recover from disturbances.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting plant growth.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact.

Front

What is an example of a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, such as sea otters in kelp forest ecosystems.