Environmental Science Semester 1 Exam Review

Front

How does biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

Back

Higher biodiversity increases stability.

Front

What is the ultimate source of energy in an ecosystem?

Back

The sun.

Front

What is a consumer in an ecosystem?

Back

An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter.

Front

What is the latitudinal gradient?

Back

A pattern of increasing species diversity towards the equator.

Front

What is the proper sequence of the demographic transition model?

Back

Pre-industrial, transitional, industrial, post-industrial.

Front

Define biodiversity.

Back

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Front

Explain the concept of an ecological niche.

Back

An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community.

Front

Define carrying capacity.

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.