Ecological Concepts and Interactions

The video introduces ecology, focusing on the relationships between organisms and their environments. It explains the levels of the biosphere, from individuals to the entire biosphere, and discusses energy flow through ecosystems, highlighting food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids. The importance of matter cycling and decomposers is covered, emphasizing the law of thermodynamics. The video also addresses human impacts on ecosystems and the concept of ecological succession, including primary and secondary succession.

What is the primary focus of ecology?

• The study of individual organisms

• The study of non-living elements

• The study of interactions between organisms and their environments

• The study of human impact on nature

Which level of the biosphere includes all living species in a given area?

• Biome

• Ecosystem

• Community

• Population

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

• A habitat is the same as a niche

• A niche is only relevant to plants

• A habitat is where an organism lives, while a niche includes its role in the ecosystem

• A niche is where an organism lives, while a habitat includes its role in the ecosystem

How does energy initially enter an ecosystem?

• Through the sun and into plants

• Through carnivores

• Through decomposers

• Through herbivores

What is a food web?

• A pyramid showing energy levels

• A diagram of abiotic factors

• A complex network of feeding relationships

• A linear sequence of organisms

What does the 10% rule in ecology state?

• Only 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level

• 10% of matter is recycled

• Only 10% of energy is lost at each trophic level

• 10% of organisms survive at each level

Why are food chains typically limited to five or six levels?

• Because of the 10% energy transfer rule

• Because of predator-prey dynamics

• Due to human intervention

• Due to lack of space

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They are top-level predators

• They recycle nutrients back into the soil

• They consume primary producers

• They produce energy

What is ecological succession?

• The process of energy flow in an ecosystem

• The cycling of matter in an ecosystem

• The gradual change in species composition in a community over time

• The immediate impact of human activities

How can human activities impact ecosystems?

• By increasing biodiversity

• By causing habitat destruction

• By stabilizing ecological succession

• By enhancing energy flow