Ecosystem Dynamics and Energy Flow

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

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What is energy flow in an ecosystem?

Back

Energy flow refers to the transfer of energy from one organism to another through food chains and food webs, starting from producers to consumers and decomposers.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is cellular respiration?

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Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Front

What is ATP and why is it important?

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ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell, providing energy for various cellular processes.

Front

What happens to energy as it moves up trophic levels?

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As energy moves up trophic levels, it decreases due to energy loss as heat and through metabolic processes.

Front

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 are related through feeding relationships.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and maintaining soil health.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary consumers?

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