BIOLOGY STAAR COMP

Front

What is overfishing and how does it affect fish populations?

Back

Overfishing is the practice of catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations and destabilizing the ecosystem by disrupting food chains.

Front

What are trophic levels and how do they relate to energy transfer in an ecosystem?

Back

Trophic levels represent the different stages in a food chain, where energy is transferred from producers to consumers. The higher the trophic level, the less energy is available.

Front

What is a cladogram and what information does it provide about species?

Back

A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among species, indicating common ancestors and the traits that define different groups.

Front

How do genetic mutations contribute to pesticide resistance in insects?

Back

Genetic mutations can provide some insects with resistance to pesticides, allowing them to survive, reproduce, and pass on the resistance to their offspring, leading to a population that is largely resistant.

Front

What are the main functions of the integumentary system?

Back

The integumentary system protects the body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information through the skin, hair, and nails.

Front

How does the nervous system interact with other body systems?

Back

The nervous system communicates with other body systems by sending signals to coordinate responses, such as reflex actions and sensory processing.

Front

What is the role of receptors in the skin when exposed to irritants?

Back

Receptors in the skin detect irritants and send signals to the spinal cord and brain, leading to a response such as itching or scratching.

Front

What is the significance of energy loss at each trophic level?

Back

Energy loss at each trophic level means that only a fraction of the energy from one level is available to the next, affecting population sizes and ecosystem stability.

Front

What is the relationship between genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience?

Back

Genetic diversity within a population enhances resilience, allowing species to adapt to changes and survive environmental pressures.

Front

How do food chains and food webs differ?

Back

Food chains show a linear sequence of energy transfer between organisms, while food webs illustrate the complex interconnections between multiple food chains in an ecosystem.