Ecosystem Population Dynamics

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (air, water, soil) in a specific area.

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What is population dynamics?

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Population dynamics is the study of how and why populations change in size and structure over time.

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What factors can affect population size?

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Factors include birth rates, death rates, immigration, emigration, availability of resources, and environmental conditions.

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What is a food chain?

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

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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, showing how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

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What is carrying capacity?

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Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably.

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What happens when a predator population increases?

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When a predator population increases, it can lead to a decrease in the population of its prey due to increased predation.

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What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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What is the significance of decomposers?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and maintaining soil health.

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How do changes in one population affect others in an ecosystem?

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Changes in one population can impact others through food relationships, competition for resources, and habitat changes.