Unit 9: Ecology

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of stages that lead to a stable community.

Front

What are the two main types of ecological succession?

Back

Primary succession and secondary succession.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

The type of succession that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

The type of succession that occurs in areas where soil is present but the ecosystem has been disturbed, such as after a forest fire.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A level in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients from one organism to another.

Front

What percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

Back

About 10%.

Front

What is a herbivore?

Back

A consumer that eats only plants.

Front

What is a carnivore?

Back

A consumer that eats only other animals.

Front

What is a producer?

Back

An organism that can make its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, such as plants.

Front

What is a biome?

Back

A large geographic biotic unit, a major community of plants and animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.