Ecology Review

Front

What are decomposers?

Back

Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is the relationship between a parasite and its host?

Back

A parasite benefits at the expense of its host, often harming it in the process.

Front

What role do autotrophs play in an ecosystem?

Back

Autotrophs, such as plants, produce their own food through photosynthesis and serve as the primary producers in food webs.

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation of the energy flow in an ecosystem, showing how energy decreases at each trophic level.

Front

What happens to energy in a food web?

Back

Energy is transferred from one organism to another, but some energy is lost as heat at each trophic level.

Front

What is the significance of organic waste in an ecosystem?

Back

Organic waste provides nutrients for decomposers, which recycle these nutrients back into the soil.

Front

What is the difference between herbivores and carnivores?

Back

Herbivores eat plants, while carnivores eat other animals.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

How do decomposers contribute to nutrient cycling?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning essential nutrients to the soil for use by plants.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, like plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.