Ecology Part 2

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, which helps to maintain the planet's temperature.

Front

Define biotic factors in an ecosystem.

Back

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, that interact with each other and their environment.

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and parasitism?

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, while parasitism is a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other.

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached the final stage of ecological succession, characterized by a diverse array of species.

Front

Explain the principle of competitive exclusion.

Back

The principle of competitive exclusion states that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist if their niches are identical; one will outcompete the other.

Front

What role do predators play in an ecosystem?

Back

Predators help control the population of prey species, which can prevent overgrazing and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Front

Define ecological succession.

Back

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, leading to a more complex community structure.

Front

What is the significance of keystone species?

Back

Keystone species are species that have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance; their removal can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but soil remains.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.