Concept 2 Environmental Science Flashcard

Front

What is the process by which nitrogen returns to the soil?

Back

Decomposition of plants and animals.

Front

What type of organism produces its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis?

Back

Autotroph.

Front

Why does energy decrease at each trophic level in a food chain?

Back

Due to heat loss and inefficiencies in energy conversion.

Front

What is mutualism in ecological terms?

Back

A relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

How do humans disrupt energy flow in ecosystems?

Back

By altering habitats and removing producers.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

An organism that eats producers (plants) for energy.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

Each step in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

They break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.