NC Biology Essential Standard 2.2

Front

What is the role of autotrophs in a food web?

Back

Autotrophs, such as plants, are the primary producers in a food web. They convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.

Front

What is biomagnification?

Back

Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of toxins, such as methylmercury or DDT, increases in organisms at each successive trophic level of a food web.

Front

What is the ozone layer and its significance?

Back

The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) and protects living organisms from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process where water bodies become enriched with nutrients (like nitrogen), leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Front

How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

Back

Deforestation increases atmospheric carbon dioxide levels because fewer trees are available to absorb CO2 during photosynthesis.

Front

Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable resources?

Back

Fossil fuels are considered nonrenewable because they take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished within a human timescale.

Front

What is the impact of increased nitrogen in water bodies?

Back

Increased nitrogen can lead to algal blooms, which consume oxygen when decomposed, harming aquatic life.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are organisms that eat autotrophs (plants) and are the second trophic level in a food web.

Front

What is the significance of the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is crucial for regulating Earth's climate and supporting life by recycling carbon among the atmosphere, land, and oceans.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers and are typically carnivores or omnivores in a food web.