Test Review 8.L.3 Populations & Ecosystems

Front

What is a density-independent limiting factor?

Back

A density-independent limiting factor is an environmental factor that affects a population regardless of its density, such as natural disasters like floods and fires.

Front

What happens to a rabbit population if the fox population decreases?

Back

The rabbit population would likely increase due to reduced predation.

Front

Define mutualism in ecological terms.

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction, such as bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

Front

Explain parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, which is harmed.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.

Front

Give an example of a density-dependent limiting factor.

Back

A density-dependent limiting factor is a factor that affects a population based on its density, such as competition for resources.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting plant growth.

Front

Define ecosystem.

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Front

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

Back

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.