Biology Regents Review 2: Ecology

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What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web that indicates the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem, typically categorized as producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.

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What is the role of phytoplankton in ocean ecosystems?

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Phytoplankton are primary producers in ocean ecosystems, converting solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the marine food web.

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What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

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Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen, which are used in cellular respiration to produce energy, while cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide and water, which are used in photosynthesis.

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Define biodiversity.

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species, genetic diversity, and the variety of ecosystems.

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How does higher biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

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Higher biodiversity often leads to greater ecosystem stability, as diverse ecosystems can better withstand environmental changes and recover from disturbances.

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What are primary consumers?

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Primary consumers are organisms that eat primary producers (plants) to obtain energy, typically herbivores in a food chain.

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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 when a predator is removed from an ecosystem?

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Removing a predator can lead to an overpopulation of prey species, which may result in overgrazing or depletion of vegetation and ultimately destabilize the ecosystem.

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What is the significance of producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers, such as plants and phytoplankton, are essential for converting solar energy into chemical energy, forming the foundation of the food web.

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What is the impact of human interference on deer populations?

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Human interference, such as eliminating predators, can lead to an unsustainable increase in deer populations, which may exceed the carrying capacity of their environment.