Ecological Interactions Review

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

A decomposer is an organism that breaks down dead plant and animal matter, returning nutrients to the ecosystem. Example: Mushrooms.

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a relationship in which two species live closely together, often benefiting from each other.

Front

What does a food chain represent?

Back

A food chain shows a series of events in which one organism eats another and obtains energy and nutrients, with energy flowing in one direction.

Front

What is the best method to study relationships between organisms?

Back

Observing the organisms in their natural environment repeatedly over time.

Front

What do the arrows in a food chain or food web indicate?

Back

The arrows represent the flow of energy from one organism to another.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, like plants, use sunlight to create food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

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

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, harming it.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, showing how energy flows between various organisms.