Ecosystem Roles and Relationships

The video tutorial covers key concepts in ecology, focusing on interdependence, roles, and niches within ecosystems. It explains limiting factors, both density independent and dependent, and their impact on population sizes. The competitive exclusion principle is discussed, highlighting how species compete for resources. The role of predation and keystone species in maintaining ecosystem balance is explored. The video also covers carrying capacity and symbiotic relationships, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Finally, it distinguishes between producers and consumers, emphasizing the importance of autotrophs and heterotrophs in ecosystems.

What is the term for the specific role an organism plays in its environment?

• Biome

• Niche

• Habitat

• Ecosystem

Which of the following is a density-independent factor?

• Hurricane

• Predator presence

• Food availability

• Competition

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor?

• Hurricane

• Food scarcity

• Wildfire

• Drought

What principle states that no two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time?

• Predation Principle

• Limiting Factor Principle

• Symbiotic Principle

• Competitive Exclusion Principle

What happens when there is not enough resources for all organisms in an ecosystem?

• Predation increases.

• Competition arises.

• Symbiosis occurs.

• Mutualism develops.

How does a keystone species affect its ecosystem?

• It is the most numerous species.

• It maintains the balance of the ecosystem.

• It is the largest species in the ecosystem.

• It provides food for all other species.

Which type of symbiotic relationship benefits both species involved?

• Predation

• Parasitism

• Commensalism

• Mutualism

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• They compete for resources.

• They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.

• They consume other animals.

• They produce energy from sunlight.

Which type of autotroph uses sunlight to produce food?

• Photoautotroph

• Heterotroph

• Detritivore

• Chemoautotroph

What is the relationship called where one organism benefits and the other is harmed?

• Mutualism

• Symbiosis

• Commensalism

• Parasitism