Unit 5 Ecology Review

Front

What growth pattern describes a population whose growth rate slows or stops following a period of exponential growth?

Back

Logistic growth is a growth pattern where the population's growth rate slows or stops after a period of exponential growth, typically due to limited resources.

Front

What can happen to an ecosystem without keystone species?

Back

Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist, as these species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of the ecosystem.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead matter and return nitrogen to the soil, a process known as decomposition.

Front

How does carbon affect global warming?

Back

Carbon speeds up the effects of global warming by increasing the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat in the atmosphere.

Front

What are biotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are the living parts of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

What is the difference between logistic growth and exponential growth?

Back

Exponential growth occurs when resources are unlimited, leading to rapid population increase, while logistic growth occurs when resources become limited, slowing the growth rate.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

Front

What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle in ecosystems?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is crucial for ecosystems as it recycles nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth, making it available to living organisms.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Abiotic factors are the non-living parts of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, water, temperature, and soil.