Ecosystem Interactions

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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 role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to maintain the nutrient cycle.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow.

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What is the difference between herbivores and carnivores?

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Herbivores are animals that eat plants, while carnivores are animals that eat other animals.

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What is habitat loss?

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Habitat loss occurs when natural environments are destroyed or altered, leading to a decline in wildlife populations.

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How does an increase in carnivores affect herbivore populations?

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An increase in carnivores typically leads to a decrease in herbivore populations, as more herbivores are hunted for food.

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What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an ecosystem. It is important for ecosystem resilience, stability, and the ability to adapt to changes.

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

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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 the impact of climate change on polar bear populations?

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Climate change, particularly the increase in Earth's temperature, leads to habitat loss for polar bears as sea ice melts.

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms, like plants, that create their own food through photosynthesis and serve as the base of the food web.

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