Unit 9: Ecology

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species, which can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to one of the parties.

Front

What are the three main types of symbiotic relationships?

Back

The three main types of symbiotic relationships are mutualism (both species benefit), commensalism (one species benefits, the other is unaffected), and parasitism (one species benefits at the expense of the other).

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

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

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other organism (the host).

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, helping to maintain the structure of an ecological community.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships (food chains) among various organisms in an ecosystem.

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.

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and soil.

Front

What biome is characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity?

Back

The tropical rainforest biome is characterized by high rainfall and a vast diversity of plant and animal species.