Biology Semester 1 Review

Front

What is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

Back

A limiting factor is a resource or condition that limits the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population of organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

Describe the flow of energy in an ecosystem.

Back

Energy flows in an ecosystem from the sun to producers (like plants), then to primary consumers (herbivores), followed by secondary consumers (carnivores), and finally to decomposers.

Front

What is predation?

Back

Predation is a biological interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts and eats another organism (the prey) for food.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers; they are typically carnivores or omnivores.

Front

Define trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Back

Trophic levels are the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers.

Front

What is the significance of phytoplankton in marine ecosystems?

Back

Phytoplankton are primary producers in marine ecosystems, forming the base of the food web and providing oxygen through photosynthesis.

Front

Explain the term 'competition' in ecology.

Back

Competition occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resource (like food, space, or light) in an ecosystem.

Front

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.