Keystone Species Flashcard

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. Its presence or absence can significantly impact the structure and health of an ecosystem.

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What happens to energy as it moves up the food chain?

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Energy decreases due to energy loss at each trophic level.

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What is a trophic cascade?

Back

A series of secondary extinctions triggered by the primary extinction of a key species in an ecosystem.

Front

What is the primary source of energy in a food chain?

Back

The Sun.

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What could be a direct consequence of removing a top predator from an ecosystem?

Back

An increase in the population of herbivores, leading to overgrazing.

Front

What role do herbivores play in an ecosystem?

Back

Herbivores are primary consumers that feed on plants and transfer energy from producers to higher trophic levels.

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What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

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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.

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Why are decomposers important in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and making them available for plants.

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What is biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Front

How does the removal of a keystone species affect biodiversity?

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The removal of a keystone species can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, as it may cause a chain reaction of extinctions among other species.