Ecology review-ecosystem, pyramid, food webs, growth graphs

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (soil, water, air) in a specific area.

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What is a food pyramid?

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A food pyramid is a graphical representation of the food chain, showing the hierarchy of energy flow from producers at the base to top predators at the apex.

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms, like plants and algae, that create their own food through photosynthesis and serve as a food source for consumers.

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What are consumers in an ecosystem?

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Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on eating other organisms (plants or animals) for energy.

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What are decomposers?

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Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow between different organisms.

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What happens to a food web if a producer is removed?

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If a producer is removed, it can disrupt the entire food web, as consumers that rely on that producer for food will be affected.

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What is competition in an ecosystem?

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Competition occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resources (food, space, light) in an ecosystem.

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What is a limiting factor?

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A limiting factor is any environmental condition that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or population.

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How does sunlight affect producers?

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Sunlight is essential for producers to perform photosynthesis; without it, they cannot produce food, affecting the entire food web.