*Ecosystems and Food Webs

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What is an ecosystem?

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

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms, like plants and algae, that can make their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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What are consumers in an ecosystem?

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Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on eating other organisms (plants or animals) for energy.

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What is a herbivore?

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A herbivore is a type of consumer that primarily eats plants.

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What is a carnivore?

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A carnivore is a type of consumer that primarily eats other animals.

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What is an omnivore?

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An omnivore is a consumer that eats both plants and animals.

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What happens if a key species in a food web is removed?

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Removing a key species can disrupt the balance of the food web, leading to population declines or increases in other species.

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What is a biome?

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A biome is a large geographic area characterized by specific climate conditions, plants, and animals.

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What are grasslands?

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Grasslands are biomes that have wide-open fields dominated by grasses, with few trees, and are found in regions with moderate rainfall.