Stability in Earth's Ecosystems

Front

What factors best impact the stability of ecosystems?

Back

The more diversity, the more stable an ecosystem is.

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

The relationship between organisms.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

Both organisms benefit. Example: Whale and Barnacles, Cow and Bird.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

One benefits, the other is unaffected. Example: Shark and remora fish, Tree and vine.

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

One benefits and the other is harmed. Example: Dog and tick, Ringworm and human.

Front

What is biomass?

Back

Total weight of organisms in a given area.

Front

What happens to the levels of biomass as you move up trophic levels?

Back

The producers have the most biomass and the tertiary consumers have the least.

Front

What is a simple definition for biodiversity?

Back

Bio = life, Diversity = different; the variety of living things in a given area.

Front

Why do we need biodiversity to create stability?

Back

Each organism has a role, niche, and they are needed for the ecosystem to work.

Front

What is succession? Why is it important?

Back

The gradual growth of an ecosystem over a long period of time.