Unit 8 Ecology Review

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed, such as barnacles attaching to whales.

Front

What does an exponential growth graph represent in ecology?

Back

It shows a population size increasing rapidly over time, typically depicted as a J-shaped curve.

Front

What are some examples of human impacts on the environment?

Back

Pollution, deforestation, and burning fossil fuels are all significant human impacts on the environment.

Front

What are pioneer species in primary succession?

Back

Lichens and moss are considered pioneer species as they are the first to colonize barren environments.

Front

How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

Back

Secondary succession takes less time to reach a climax community compared to primary succession.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit, such as bees pollinating flowers.

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, such as ticks feeding on mammals.

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A stable and mature ecological community that has reached a steady state after succession.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species.