Ecology Regents Review

Front

What is dynamic equilibrium in an ecosystem?

Back

Dynamic equilibrium refers to a state where the population sizes of organisms remain relatively stable over time due to balancing factors such as resource availability and environmental conditions.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?

Back

The primary source of energy for ecosystems is sunlight, which is captured by producers (like plants) through photosynthesis.

Front

Define carrying capacity in ecology.

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support, based on available resources.

Front

Why can't populations grow indefinitely?

Back

Populations cannot grow indefinitely because the resources of Earth are finite, leading to limitations in food, water, and space.

Front

What are limiting factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Limiting factors are environmental conditions that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem, such as availability of energy, water, and nutrients.

Front

Explain the concept of biological diversity.

Back

Biological diversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variations, and ecological processes.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants and algae, convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

How do consumers obtain energy?

Back

Consumers obtain energy by eating other organisms, either plants (herbivores) or other animals (carnivores and omnivores).

Front

What is the significance of water in an ecosystem?

Back

Water is essential for all living organisms; it acts as a solvent, a medium for biochemical reactions, and is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.

Front

Define homeostatic control in ecosystems.

Back

Homeostatic control refers to the mechanisms that organisms use to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment.