Ecosystem Dynamics Flashcard

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants, are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are typically herbivores.

Front

What is an abiotic factor?

Back

Abiotic factors are nonliving components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, water, temperature, and soil.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

Competition occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resources, such as food, water, or space.

Front

What is a herbivore?

Back

A herbivore is an animal that primarily eats plants.

Front

What is a carnivore?

Back

A carnivore is an animal that primarily eats other animals.

Front

What is an omnivore?

Back

An omnivore is an animal that eats both plants and animals.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by how an organism obtains energy.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Back

A food chain is a simple linear path of energy flow, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.