ES Unit 4 Review

Front

What is competition in ecology?

Back

Competition is an interaction between organisms or species in which both are harmed as they compete for limited resources such as food, water, or territory.

Front

What is the outcome of competition between species with the same niche?

Back

When two species compete for the same niche, one species may outcompete the other, leading to the decline or extinction of the less competitive species.

Front

What is the definition of mutualism?

Back

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

Secondary succession is the process of ecological recovery that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact.

Front

What happens to populations when a predator is removed from an ecosystem?

Back

The populations of prey species typically increase due to the reduced predation pressure.

Front

What is the role of disturbances like fire in ecosystems?

Back

Disturbances like fire can reset ecological succession, promoting new growth and maintaining biodiversity.

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 a community but left the soil intact.

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a final stage of succession.

Front

What is the significance of niche differentiation?

Back

Niche differentiation allows multiple species to coexist in the same habitat by utilizing different resources or occupying different roles.

Front

What is the competitive exclusion principle?

Back

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist if other ecological factors are constant.