Ecology Exam

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What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy decreases as it moves from producers to top predators.

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Who are the producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms, such as plants and algae, that can create their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the energy pyramid.

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What role do herbivores play in an ecosystem?

Back

Herbivores are primary consumers that eat producers (plants) and convert the energy stored in them into a form that can be used by higher trophic levels.

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What is the role of carnivores in an ecosystem?

Back

Carnivores are secondary or tertiary consumers that eat herbivores or other carnivores, playing a crucial role in controlling population sizes and energy flow.

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What is a top predator?

Back

A top predator is an organism at the top of the food chain that has no natural predators, often having the least amount of energy available in an energy pyramid.

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What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, converting light energy into chemical energy.

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What is decomposition?

Back

Decomposition is the process by which dead organic matter is broken down by decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, returning nutrients to the soil.

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What is a population in ecological terms?

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A population is a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific area and interact with one another.

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What is a community in ecology?

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A community is a group of different species that live together in a particular area and interact with each other.

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What is the simplest level of organization in ecology?

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The simplest level of organization in ecology is the organism, which refers to a single individual of a species.