Chapter 3 Ecosystem Test

Front

What are primary producers?

Back

Primary producers are organisms that can produce their own energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

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

Front

How does matter move within ecosystems?

Back

Matter cycles through ecosystems via biogeochemical cycles, moving between living organisms and the environment.

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

What is a pyramid of biomass?

Back

A pyramid of biomass is a graphical representation showing the total mass of living matter at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Front

What happens to biomass as you move up a pyramid of biomass?

Back

The amount of biomass generally decreases as you move from the bottom to the top of the pyramid.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is surface runoff?

Back

Surface runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess stormwater, meltwater, or other sources flows over the earth's surface.

Front

What is fertilizer runoff?

Back

Fertilizer runoff occurs when excess fertilizers applied to crops wash into waterways, potentially causing pollution.