Homeostasis- Trophic Cascade

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A species that, if removed, would cause significant changes to the ecosystem.

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What is a trophic level?

Back

Each step or level in a food chain or food web.

Front

What does the absence of otters indicate in an ecosystem?

Back

It suggests that there are significant changes in the ecosystem, such as an overpopulation of urchins.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

An interconnected web of the flow of energy (and what eats what) through an ecosystem.

Front

What is an abiotic limiting factor?

Back

Any non-living factor that can limit a population size, such as space, water, or fire.

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What is a biotic limiting factor?

Back

A living factor that can limit a population size, such as predators or competition.

Front

What is a trophic cascade?

Back

A series of changes in the population sizes of organisms at different trophic levels in an ecosystem, often triggered by the removal or addition of a keystone species.

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What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, like plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.

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What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity increases resilience, stability, and productivity of ecosystems.