Communities/Ecosytems Review '24

Front

What term best describes two predators living in the same habitat who feed on the same prey?

Back

Competition

Front

What is resource partitioning?

Back

Resource partitioning is when two species use different resources or occupy different niches to coexist, as seen when two species of cattails grow at different water depths.

Front

What is Batesian mimicry?

Back

Batesian mimicry is when a harmless species evolves to resemble a harmful or poisonous species to avoid predation, such as harmless snakes mimicking coral snakes.

Front

How does primary succession differ from secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession starts with bare rock and involves pioneer species like lichens and moss, while secondary succession occurs in areas where soil is already present after a disturbance.

Front

What percent of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

Back

10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

Explain ecological succession.

Back

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of stages from pioneer species to a mature community.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients from producers to various levels of consumers.