Ecology & Ecosystems

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms, typically plants and algae, that can make their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web.

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What are primary consumers?

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Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers. They are the second trophic level in a food web.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow.

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter and waste, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which supports plant growth.

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What is a trophic level?

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A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by how an organism obtains its energy.

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How much energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

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Typically, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next level.

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What happens to a food web if a top predator is removed?

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Removing a top predator can lead to an increase in the population of primary consumers, which may overconsume producers, disrupting the ecosystem.

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What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

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A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where each is eaten by the next, while a food web is a more complex network of interconnected food chains.

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What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

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Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability, allowing it to better withstand environmental changes.