AP Biology Ecology

Front

What does a stable population pyramid indicate about a population?

Back

A stable population pyramid indicates that the population is in a stable and steady state, with birth and death rates balanced.

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process of nutrient buildup in a lake, often leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Front

What is Batesian mimicry?

Back

Batesian mimicry is a form of mimicry where a harmless species evolves to resemble a harmful or poisonous species to avoid predation.

Front

What is an abiotic factor?

Back

An abiotic factor is a non-living component of an ecosystem, such as air, water, temperature, and soil.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers recycle energy back into an ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter.

Front

What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Back

Autotrophs produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, while heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy.

Front

Define mutualism in ecology.

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is the significance of keystone species in an ecosystem?

Back

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance, helping to maintain the structure of the ecosystem.

Front

Explain the concept of carrying capacity.

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.

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 community but left the soil intact.