Environmental Science -Ecology Unit Test

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Primary succession is the process by which newly exposed or newly formed rock is colonized by living organisms for the first time, starting with pioneer species like hardy plants and lichens.

Front

What biome is characterized by coniferous forests and is found in Canada?

Back

Taiga is the biome characterized by coniferous forests and is prevalent in Canada.

Front

What does it mean when a population has reached its carrying capacity?

Back

When a population has reached its carrying capacity, it means that the environment can no longer support additional individuals, leading to competition for resources.

Front

How do organisms 'win' at natural selection?

Back

Organisms 'win' at natural selection by surviving and reproducing, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation.

Front

What is another term for natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is also known as 'survival of the fittest,' which refers to the idea that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Front

What are pioneer species?

Back

Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize a barren environment, such as lichens and certain hardy plants, which can survive with minimal soil.

Front

Define ecological succession.

Back

Ecological succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of species replacements.

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a steady state, where species composition remains relatively unchanged.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs on newly formed or exposed surfaces without soil, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and supporting new plant growth.