Ecology Review

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

What happens to herbivore populations if producers dramatically decrease?

Back

Herbivore populations are likely to decrease, which can lead to a decline in predator populations as well.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact, such as after a forest fire.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy flows through different trophic levels.

Front

What are trophic levels?

Back

Trophic levels are the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.

Front

What is the energy pyramid?

Back

The energy pyramid illustrates the amount of energy available at each trophic level, with energy decreasing as you move up the pyramid.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers, while secondary consumers are carnivores that eat primary consumers.

Front

How does resource partitioning reduce competition?

Back

Resource partitioning allows different species to utilize different resources or areas, reducing direct competition for the same resources.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability, allowing ecosystems to better withstand environmental changes.