AP Biology - Unit 8 Review

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, starting with bare rock.

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, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

Front

What is positive chemotaxis?

Back

Positive chemotaxis is the movement of an organism toward a chemical stimulus, such as a dog moving toward the smell of food.

Front

What happens to a bird population if a disease destroys the wheat plants they feed on?

Back

The bird population would decrease due to the loss of food resources.

Front

What is carrying capacity (K)?

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 using the logistic growth model?

Back

Population growth can be calculated using the formula: Growth = r * N * (1 - N/K), where r is the growth rate, N is the current population size, and K is the carrying capacity.

Front

What is the difference between invasive species and native species?

Back

Invasive species are non-native species that spread widely and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health, while native species are those that naturally occur in a specific ecosystem.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and supporting plant growth.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem productivity, stability, and resilience, allowing ecosystems to better withstand environmental changes.

Front

What is the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors?

Back

Density-dependent factors are influenced by population density (e.g., competition, predation), while density-independent factors affect populations regardless of their density (e.g., natural disasters).