Grade 9 Biology Unit

Front

What is equilibrium in an ecosystem?

Back

Equilibrium refers to a balanced state in an ecosystem where the number of organisms, the amount of nutrition available, and the space are sufficient to support life.

Front

What is urban sprawl?

Back

Urban sprawl is the expansion of cities into surrounding areas, often leading to the development of new buildings in suburbs, which can destroy local ecosystems.

Front

What does the term biosphere refer to?

Back

The biosphere encompasses all life forms and living areas on Earth, including land, water, and the atmosphere.

Front

What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water, temperature, oxygen, and rocks.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. For example, sea otters help manage the sea urchin population, which in turn supports kelp forests.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species and their interactions.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem (like plants and animals), while abiotic factors are non-living components (like water and temperature).

Front

What is trophic efficiency?

Back

Trophic efficiency is the percentage of energy that is transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain.

Front

What is overexploitation?

Back

Overexploitation refers to the unsustainable use of natural resources, leading to the depletion of species and ecosystems.

Front

What is succession in an ecosystem?

Back

Succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.