U1 Ecology STAAR Questions

Front

What is ecology?

Back

Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host).

Front

What are decomposers?

Back

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organic material, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.

Front

Explain the concept of a food web.

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

Define predation.

Back

Predation is an interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts and eats another organism (the prey).

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability, allowing ecosystems to adapt to changes.

Front

Describe the impact of oil spills on marine life.

Back

Oil spills can have devastating effects on marine life, including habitat destruction, toxicity, and long-term population declines.