APES - Unit 1

Front

What is commensalism in ecological interactions?

Back

Commensalism is a type of ecological interaction where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed, represented as + 0.

Front

What does it mean when an ecosystem demonstrates resistance to a disturbance?

Back

It means that the ecosystem can withstand or resist changes caused by disturbances, maintaining stability despite the invasive species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Front

What happens when total photosynthesis exceeds total respiration in an ecosystem?

Back

Carbon will increase in the biosphere, indicating a net gain of carbon in living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

How does light intensity behave in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Light intensity falls off exponentially with depth, and red light is absorbed first, limiting photosynthesis to shallower depths.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What type of interaction occurs when a parasite absorbs nutrients from its host?

Back

This is considered an exploitative interaction, where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Front

Define resilience in the context of ecosystems.

Back

Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and return to its original state.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Front

What is the significance of the 1% light level in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

The 1% light level marks the depth below which photosynthesis cannot occur, affecting the distribution of aquatic life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

Explain the concept of ecological succession.

Back

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing ecosystem but soil remains.

Front

What role do invasive species play in ecosystems?

Back

Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompeting native species for resources and altering habitat.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5