Ap Biology Unit 8 Review

Front

What is the energy transfer efficiency from producers to secondary consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

Typically, only about 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. If producers have 750,000 J, secondary consumers would receive approximately 7,500 J.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers recycle essential nutrients back to producers, enrich soil with nitrogen, and help keep ecosystems clean.

Front

What characterizes R-strategists in terms of reproduction?

Back

R-strategists, like frogs, produce a large number of offspring (e.g., ~4000 eggs) with little parental care.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Front

What is a trophic cascade?

Back

A trophic cascade occurs when changes at one trophic level cause ripple effects throughout the food web.

Front

What happens when a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

Back

The removal of a keystone species can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem, often resulting in a decline in biodiversity.

Front

What is the difference between R-strategists and K-strategists?

Back

R-strategists produce many offspring with low survival rates, while K-strategists produce fewer offspring with higher survival rates.

Front

How do visual and kinetic cues affect hatchling behavior?

Back

Hatchlings may preferentially follow visual cues over kinetic cues when both are present.

Front

What is the significance of nutrient cycling in ecosystems?

Back

Nutrient cycling is essential for maintaining ecosystem productivity and health, allowing for the continuous support of life.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?

Back

The primary source of energy for ecosystems is sunlight, which is captured by producers through photosynthesis.