Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which term correctly refers to the living components of an ecosystem?
Which term correctly refers to the living components of an ecosystem?
What is an example of a mutualistic interaction in ecosystems?
What is an example of a mutualistic interaction in ecosystems?
What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next in a food chain?
What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next in a food chain?
Which of the following is considered an invasive species?
Which of the following is considered an invasive species?
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What role do decomposers play in ecosystems?
What role do decomposers play in ecosystems?
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What major effect does the enhanced greenhouse effect have on the environment?
What major effect does the enhanced greenhouse effect have on the environment?
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Which of the following best describes biological control?
Which of the following best describes biological control?
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What impact does a growing human population have on ecosystems?
What impact does a growing human population have on ecosystems?
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Study Notes
Ecosystems and Components
- Ecosystems combine living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things.
- Abiotic factors include sunlight, water, and rocks.
- Biotic factors include trees, fish, and bacteria.
- Abiotic factors vary within ecosystems, such as temperature differences or changing salinity.
Organism Interactions
- Organisms interact in ways like collaboration (bees and flowers), mating, competition, and symbiosis (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism).
- Predator-prey relationships, such as lions and zebras, are non-symbiotic interactions.
- Predator and prey populations influence each other.
Impact of Invasive Species
- Invasive species are non-native organisms causing harm.
- Invasive species disrupt ecosystems and outcompete native species.
- Rabbits damaging Australian habitats are an example.
- Biological control methods, like the Myxoma virus, can be less effective if the target organism develops resistance.
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
- Energy flows through trophic levels, from producers to consumers.
- Trophic levels include producers (plants), primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and tertiary consumers (apex predators).
- Herbivores eat plants; carnivores eat meat.
- Biomass is the total mass of living things.
- Only about 10% of energy is passed on to the next trophic level.
- Decomposers recycle nutrients.
Human Impact on the Environment
- Human activity increases greenhouse gases like CO₂ contributing to global warming.
- Deforestation and pollution harm ecosystems.
- Growing populations increase pressure on ecosystems, causing habitat loss and resource depletion.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamentals of ecosystems and their components, including biotic and abiotic factors. It also covers organism interactions, the impact of invasive species, and energy flow within ecosystems. Test your knowledge on these essential ecological concepts.
