Unit 6 Ecology Review

Front

What is an ecological pyramid?

Back

An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the distribution of energy, biomass, or numbers of organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

Back

The primary source of energy for most ecosystems is the sun, which is harnessed by producers through photosynthesis.

Front

Define producers in an ecosystem.

Back

Producers are organisms, such as plants and algae, that can make their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

What are consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and must eat other organisms for energy. They are classified into herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species and genetic diversity.

Front

What is an invasive species?

Back

An invasive species is a non-native organism that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause harm to native species and ecosystems.

Front

Explain the concept of energy transfer in an ecological pyramid.

Back

Energy transfer in an ecological pyramid occurs as energy moves from one trophic level to the next, with approximately 90% of energy lost as heat or used for life processes.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

List three major greenhouse gases.

Back

Three major greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).