Ecosystems & Food Chains

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What is a carnivore?

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A carnivore is an organism that primarily eats meat, including other animals.

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to recycle matter in the ecosystem.

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What is an invasive species?

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An invasive species is a non-native species that spreads rapidly in a new environment, often outcompeting native species for resources.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow.

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What is a herbivore?

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A herbivore is an organism that primarily eats plants.

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How do predators affect the population of prey species?

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Predators help control the population of prey species, preventing overpopulation and maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

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What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

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A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass, while a food web is a more complex network of interconnected food chains.

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What is the significance of biodiversity in an ecosystem?

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Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, stability, and productivity, allowing ecosystems to better withstand changes and disturbances.

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What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

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The primary source of energy for most ecosystems is sunlight, which is captured by plants through photosynthesis.

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What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

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