Ecology Flashcard

Front

What is the energy transfer efficiency at each trophic level?

Back

Energy transfer between trophic levels is typically about 10%, meaning only about 10% of the energy from one level is available to the next.

Front

What happens to grain populations if owls are removed from an ecosystem?

Back

If owls disappear, grain populations would likely increase because there would be fewer organisms (like rodents) that consume grains.

Front

What is the process marked with A in the carbon cycle diagram?

Back

The process marked with A is cellular respiration, where organisms convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What event can lead to primary succession?

Back

Primary succession can occur after a volcanic eruption when new rock is formed from cooled lava.

Front

How does energy flow to sea ducks?

Back

Energy flows to sea ducks from sunlight to phytoplankton to bivalves to sea ducks.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Front

Define the term 'trophic level'.

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for plants.

Front

Explain the carbon cycle.

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

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