Biomes and Succession

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What is a biome?

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A biome is a large geographic biotic unit, a major community of plants and animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.

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What are the main types of biomes?

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The main types of biomes include terrestrial biomes (like forests, deserts, and grasslands) and aquatic biomes (like freshwater and marine biomes).

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What is ecological succession?

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Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of stages from pioneer species to a mature community.

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What is primary succession?

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Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where there is no soil, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat.

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing ecosystem but soil and some organisms still remain, such as after a forest fire.

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What is the energy pyramid?

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The energy pyramid is a graphical representation of the energy flow in an ecosystem, showing the energy available at each trophic level.

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How much energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

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Typically, only about 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, with 90% lost as heat.

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What is habitat destruction?

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Habitat destruction is the process in which natural habitat is rendered unable to support the species present, often due to human activities.

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What is biodiversity?

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

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What are invasive species?

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Invasive species are non-native organisms that spread widely in a new habitat, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.