Ecosystem Population Dynamics 2025ELL

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What is an ecosystem?

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

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms, like plants and algae, that create their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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What are consumers in an ecosystem?

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Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on eating other organisms (plants or animals) for energy.

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What are decomposers?

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Decomposers are organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.

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How does an increase in a predator population affect prey populations?

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An increase in predator populations typically leads to a decrease in prey populations due to increased predation.

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how different organisms in an ecosystem are related through feeding relationships.

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What happens to plant populations if herbivore populations increase?

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If herbivore populations increase, plant populations are likely to decrease due to increased consumption.

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What is the role of herbivores in an ecosystem?

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Herbivores are primary consumers that feed on plants, playing a crucial role in transferring energy from producers to higher trophic levels.

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What is carrying capacity?

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Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.