Ecosystems #1 & #2 Study Guide

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A relationship between two species where both benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is a potential drawback of multiple species coexisting in the same ecosystem?

Back

Competition for resources.

Front

Which organisms are most important to an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, as they create energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What are limiting factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Factors that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population, such as food, shelter, space, and water.

Front

How does a long period of dry weather affect populations in an ecosystem?

Back

Populations would decrease because water is a limiting factor.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is the difference between producers and consumers?

Back

Producers create their own food through photosynthesis, while consumers eat other organisms for energy.

Front

What is an example of a limiting factor?

Back

Water availability in a dry environment.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

The struggle between organisms for the same resources in an ecosystem.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.