Trophic Cascade Practice

Front

What is a trophic cascade?

Back

A trophic cascade is an ecological phenomenon where changes in the population of one species (usually a predator) cause a ripple effect through the food web, affecting multiple other species.

Front

What happens to a food web when a top predator is removed?

Back

The populations of prey species may increase, leading to overgrazing or depletion of primary producers.

Front

Define 'keystone species'.

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, often maintaining the structure of the ecosystem.

Front

What is the role of primary producers in a food web?

Back

Primary producers, such as plants and algae, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web.

Front

How does the removal of a herbivore affect plant populations?

Back

The removal of a herbivore can lead to an increase in plant populations, as there are fewer consumers to limit their growth.

Front

What is the impact of an increase in a predator population?

Back

An increase in a predator population can lead to a decrease in the populations of their prey species.

Front

Explain the term 'bottom-up control' in an ecosystem.

Back

Bottom-up control refers to the regulation of a food web by the availability of resources, such as nutrients and primary producers.

Front

Explain the term 'top-down control' in an ecosystem.

Back

Top-down control refers to the regulation of a food web by the presence and activities of predators.

Front

What is the significance of plankton in aquatic food webs?

Back

Plankton are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems and serve as a crucial food source for many marine organisms.

Front

How does biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

Back

Higher biodiversity generally increases ecosystem stability, resilience, and productivity, allowing ecosystems to better withstand disturbances.