2018 STAAR Biology Reporting Category 5

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (soil, water, and climate).

Front

Define mutualism in ecology.

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction, such as bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

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

Front

Explain the concept of food webs.

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow through different trophic levels.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants and algae, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

Define herbivores and their role in the food chain.

Back

Herbivores are organisms that primarily consume plants. They serve as primary consumers in the food chain, transferring energy from producers to higher trophic levels.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting plant growth.

Front

Describe the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity.

Back

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and lead to a decline in native biodiversity.

Front

What is competition in ecology?

Back

Competition occurs when two or more species or individuals vie for the same resources (food, space, light) in an ecosystem.

Front

Explain the concept of niche differentiation.

Back

Niche differentiation is the process by which competing species use the environment differently to coexist, reducing competition for resources.