Ecology Review

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (air, water, soil) in a specific area.

Front

Where does the energy in a food chain originate?

Back

The energy in a food chain originates from the Sun.

Front

What are the primary producers in a food chain?

Back

Plants, also known as producers or autotrophs, are the primary producers in a food chain.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living organisms, while abiotic factors are non-living physical and chemical components of the environment.

Front

What type of symbiotic relationship is exemplified by honey guide birds and badgers?

Back

The relationship between honey guide birds and badgers is an example of mutualism, where both species benefit.

Front

Define 'producers' in an ecological context.

Back

Producers, or autotrophs, are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Front

What are 'consumers' in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers, or heterotrophs, are organisms that cannot produce their own food and must eat other organisms for energy.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

Explain the term 'trophic level'.

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by how an organism obtains its energy.