Ecosystem Stability and Relationships Flashcard

Front

Which of the following best describes mutualism in an ecosystem?

Back

Both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Answer explanation

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from each other. This distinguishes it from other interactions like parasitism or commensalism, where one may be harmed or unaffected.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.A.

Front

What is the primary role of decomposers in the cycling of matter within an ecosystem?

Back

They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.

Answer explanation

The primary role of decomposers is to break down dead organisms, which recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem, making them available for producers and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.B.

Front

Which process is a key part of the carbon cycle?

Back

Photosynthesis

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is a key part of the carbon cycle as it allows plants to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter, releasing oxygen in the process. This is essential for maintaining carbon balance.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.C.

Front

What is most likely to decrease biodiversity in an ecosystem? Options: Planting native trees, Habitat destruction, Protecting endangered species, Creating wildlife reserves

Back

Habitat destruction

Answer explanation

Habitat destruction is the process of altering or eliminating natural environments, which directly reduces the variety of species and their interactions, leading to decreased biodiversity in an ecosystem.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.D.

Front

Which relationship describes parasitism?

Back

One organism benefits, the other is harmed.

Answer explanation

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another. In this case, the parasite gains resources or advantages while the host is harmed, making 'One organism benefits, the other is harmed' the correct choice.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.A.

Front

Which trophic level do herbivores occupy in a food chain?

Back

Primary consumers

Answer explanation

Herbivores are organisms that consume primary producers (plants). Therefore, they occupy the primary consumers trophic level in a food chain, as they directly feed on producers.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.B.

Front

Which element is cycled through the atmosphere, living organisms, and the soil in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Nitrogen

Answer explanation

Nitrogen is the key element cycled through the atmosphere, living organisms, and soil in the nitrogen cycle. It is essential for the growth of plants and is a fundamental component of amino acids and nucleic acids.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.C.

Front

Example of a human activity that can reduce biodiversity:

Back

Overfishing

Answer explanation

Overfishing depletes fish populations, disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. In contrast, reforestation, wildlife conservation, and planting native species aim to enhance biodiversity.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.D.

Front

Which of the following best describes commensalism?

Back

One organism benefits, the other is unaffected.

Answer explanation

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. This distinguishes it from mutualism (both benefit) and parasitism (one benefits at the other's expense).

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.A.

Front

Which process in the nitrogen cycle converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants?

Back

Nitrogen fixation

Answer explanation

Nitrogen fixation is the process that converts atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds, making it usable by plants. This is essential for plant growth, as they cannot utilize atmospheric nitrogen directly.

Tags

TX.112.42.C.13.C.