Questions and Answers
What is a producer also known as?
A specialist is the same as a generalist.
False
What is the opposite of biotic?
What is a consumer also known as?
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Chemosynthesis and photosynthesis are synonyms.
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What is the term for an organism that primarily eats plants?
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What is a keystone species?
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Define an omnivore.
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What is the study of our home (Earth)?
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What process uses light energy to form carbohydrates?
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What is the definition of biomass?
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Water is considered a biotic component of ecosystems.
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What type of organism breaks down organic matter?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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A carnivore is an organism that eats ______.
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Match the following cycles with their descriptions:
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What type of organism is a prairie dog?
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What type of species is a sunflower classified as?
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Study Notes
Producers and Consumers
- Producers/Autotrophs: Organisms that create their own nourishment, primarily through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
- Consumers/Heterotrophs: Organisms that obtain nourishment by consuming other organisms, including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
- Herbivores: Organisms that exclusively eat plants.
- Carnivores: Organisms that primarily consume flesh.
- Omnivores: Organisms that eat both plants and animals.
Energy Production
- Photosynthesis: Process by which autotrophs use light energy to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.
- Chemosynthesis: Process by which some autotrophs use chemical energy to produce carbohydrates, often in the absence of sunlight.
Ecosystem Dynamics
- Keystone Species: Species that have a disproportionate impact on their ecosystem, influencing the structure and health of the community.
- Detritivores: Organisms that break down organic matter into smaller compounds, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling.
- Decomposers: Organisms that decompose dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting plant growth.
Ecology and Biogeochemical Cycles
- Ecology: The scientific study focused on the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
- Biogeochemical Cycle: The natural pathway through which elements and compounds (e.g., nutrients) circulate through both living (biotic) and geological (abiotic) components of the ecosystem.
- Hydrologic Cycle: Also known as the water cycle, it describes the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.
Biotic and Abiotic Factors
- Biotic Factors: Living components of the ecosystem, such as plants, animals (e.g., deer, eagles, frogs), and fungi.
- Abiotic Factors: Non-living components that influence the ecosystem, including sunlight, soil, water, wind, temperature, and snow.
- Mass of living organisms in an area is referred to as Biomass.
Key Vocabulary Definitions
- Specialist: Organisms that have a narrow ecological niche, often relying on specific resources.
- Generalist: Organisms that can thrive in a variety of environments and can utilize a range of food resources.
- Abiotic: Non-living influences on the ecosystem like rain, temperature, and soil.
Additional Notes
- Understanding the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors is crucial for studying ecosystems and environmental changes.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key biological terms with this vocabulary quiz focused on Chapter 13. This quiz includes definitions of critical words related to producers, consumers, and ecological concepts. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of biological terms and their relationships.
