Science Benchmark

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow through different species.

Front

What happens to an ecosystem if a key species is removed?

Back

Removing a key species can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to population changes in other species and potentially causing a collapse of the food web.

Front

Define mutualism in ecology.

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction, such as barberfish and hammerhead sharks.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen.

Front

What resources do plants need for photosynthesis?

Back

Plants need energy from the sun, water, and carbon dioxide in the air for photosynthesis.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, like plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web.

Front

What is the impact of removing predators from an ecosystem?

Back

Removing predators can lead to an overpopulation of prey species, which may result in overgrazing or depletion of vegetation.

Front

Define the term 'ecosystem'.

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which supports plant growth.

Front

Explain the concept of carrying capacity.

Back

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