AP Biology - Unit 8 Review

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem. Organisms at each level share the same function in the food chain.

Front

Why are there seldom more than five trophic levels in a food chain?

Back

Energy is lost from each trophic level, limiting the number of levels that can be supported.

Front

What is carrying capacity (K) in population ecology?

Back

Carrying capacity (K) is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded.

Front

How do you calculate population growth when given carrying capacity (K), growth rate (r), and current population (N)?

Back

Use the formula: Growth = r * N * (1 - N/K).

Front

What is the formula for net primary productivity (NPP)?

Back

NPP = Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) - Respiration.

Front

What does a photoreceptor sense?

Back

A photoreceptor senses light.

Front

What is the significance of gross primary productivity (GPP)?

Back

GPP measures the total amount of carbon dioxide that is captured by photosynthesis in a given area over a specific time.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals), while abiotic factors are non-living components (e.g., water, temperature).

Front

What is the formula for calculating population growth rate?

Back

Population Growth Rate = (Births - Deaths) / Total Population.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

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