Keystone Species

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Its presence or absence can significantly impact the structure and function of the ecosystem.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, or autotrophs, are organisms that create their own energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain and provide energy for primary consumers.

Front

What is the 10% rule in ecology?

Back

The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level in a food chain.

Front

What happens to energy as it moves up trophic levels?

Back

As energy moves up trophic levels, it decreases due to energy loss through metabolic processes, heat, and waste.

Front

What is niche partitioning?

Back

Niche partitioning is the process by which competing species use the environment differently to coexist, reducing competition for resources.

Front

How do keystone species maintain ecosystem balance?

Back

Keystone species help maintain the structure of an ecosystem by controlling populations of other species, which in turn affects the entire community.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between primary consumers and secondary consumers?

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Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers, while secondary consumers are carnivores that eat primary consumers.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and supporting plant growth.

Front

What can happen if a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

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If a keystone species is removed, it can lead to dramatic changes in the ecosystem, often resulting in the collapse of the food web.