Living Environment Ecology Review

Front

What is the energy loss percentage as you move up a food pyramid?

Back

90% of the energy is lost as heat to the environment.

Front

What happens to biodiversity in the Baltic Sea as it becomes less salty?

Back

Biodiversity decreases because plants and animals adapted for living in saltier conditions will not be able to survive and reproduce.

Front

What type of symbiotic relationship do barnacles and whales have?

Back

Commensalism, where barnacles benefit from a food source without affecting the whale.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What would increase the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Back

An increase in available food.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?

Back

The sun, which provides energy for photosynthesis.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is an example of a keystone species?

Back

Sea otters, which help maintain the balance of kelp forest ecosystems.