Ecosystem Energy and Matter Flashcard

Front

What is the cycling of matter in an ecosystem?

Back

Matter is recycled between living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

Back

The Sun.

Front

How does an increase in algae affect fish and aquatic insects in a pond?

Back

Fish and insects will both decrease due to less oxygen in the water.

Front

What happens to plant and animal populations during a drought?

Back

Both plant and animal populations would likely decrease due to limited water.

Front

What is a nonliving part of an ecosystem that is important for the cycling of matter?

Back

Water.

Front

Define producers in an ecosystem.

Back

Producers are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants.

Front

What role do consumers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms for energy.

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

Explain the term 'food chain'.

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.