Fall 2024 Finals Review

Front

What is the species-area relationship?

Back

The species-area relationship is a principle in ecology that states that larger habitats tend to support more species. Specifically, habitats that are 100 times larger tend to have about 5 times as many species.

Front

What are producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants and algae.

Front

What is an example of parasitism?

Back

An example of parasitism is a tick feeding on a dog, where the tick benefits at the expense of the dog.

Front

What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next?

Back

Approximately 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem.

Front

Where does the majority of energy go in an ecosystem?

Back

The majority of energy (about 90%) is lost to the environment as heat.

Front

Define trophic level.

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients from one level to the next.

Front

What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between carnivores and omnivores?

Back

Carnivores are organisms that eat only other animals, while omnivores eat both plants and animals.

Front

Explain the concept of energy transfer in food chains.

Back

Energy transfer in food chains is inefficient, with only about 10% of energy being transferred to the next trophic level, while the rest is lost as heat.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?

Back

Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changes.