APES Review UNITS 1 + 2

Front

What process reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, reducing carbon dioxide levels.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

Competition is an interaction between organisms or species in which both the organisms or species are harmed. It often occurs when resources are limited.

Front

What is the energy transfer efficiency from producers to secondary consumers?

Back

Typically, only about 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, meaning if producers convert solar energy into 15,000 kcal, secondary consumers would receive approximately 150 kcal.

Front

What are cultural ecosystem services?

Back

Cultural ecosystem services are the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and spiritual enrichment.

Front

How do droughts affect finch populations?

Back

Droughts can lead to changes in food availability, which may favor certain traits in finches, such as larger beaks, allowing them to access different food sources.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants, convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web.

Front

Define cellular respiration.

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism?

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, while in commensalism, one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?

Back

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

Front

What is the impact of burning fossil fuels on the environment?

Back

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air pollution.