30 Questions
What is the primary function of a keystone species in an ecosystem?
To maintain the diversity of species within a specific ecosystem
What determines the characteristics of an individual organism?
The genes it possesses
What is the primary outcome of natural selection on a species?
Determination of which individuals will reproduce and pass their genes
What is the term for the ways an organism affects its environment and interacts with other organisms?
Species interaction
What is the difference between a population and a species?
A population is a smaller unit of organization than a species
What is the role of bison in American tall grass prairie ecosystems?
To allow smaller plant species to be successful
What is the primary mechanism driving the increase in favorable variations in a population over time?
Differential access to resources resulting from individual variation
What type of competition occurs between members of the same species?
Intraspecific competition
Which of the following is NOT a result of the process of natural selection?
Increase in population size
What is the approximate percentage of species that have gone extinct?
98-99%
What is the competitive exclusion principle?
The principle that no two species can occupy the same ecological niche in the same place at the same time
What is the term for the production of new species from previously existing species?
Speciation
What is an example of parasitism?
Fleas living on the surface of a host
Which of the following is an example of coevolution?
The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
What is the main difference between ectoparasites and endoparasites?
The location on the host's body where they live
What type of symbiotic relationship is characterized by one species benefiting and the other species not being affected?
Commensalism
What is the main reason why most offspring in a population do not survive?
Insufficient resources
What is the term for a close, long-lasting, physical relationship between two different species?
Symbiosis
What is the primary function of carbon sinks in the carbon cycle?
To remove carbon atoms from active, short-term nutrient cycles
What is the impact of burning fossil fuels on the carbon cycle?
It releases carbon atoms that were removed from the active, short-term carbon cycle
What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?
To convert nitrogen gas into ammonia
What is the primary sink for nitrogen in the nitrogen cycle?
The atmosphere
What is the result of excessive application of nitrogen or phosphorus as fertilizer?
An increase in the growth rate of bacteria and algae
What is the role of denitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?
To convert nitrite into nitrogen gas
What is the primary characteristic of a mutualistic relationship?
Both species benefit, and the relationship is obligatory
What is the main difference between a community and an ecosystem?
A community is a group of interacting species, while an ecosystem includes the physical environment
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
To use nonliving organic matter as a source of energy and raw materials
What is the term for a step in the flow of energy through an ecosystem?
Trophic level
What is the characteristic of a primary consumer in an ecosystem?
It eats plants as a source of food
What is the relationship between remoras and sharks?
Mutualism
Explore the concept of ecological niche, how organisms interact with their environment and other species, and the role of keystone species in maintaining ecosystems. Learn about the niche of a beaver and a dandelion, and how bison increase biodiversity in tall grass prairie ecosystems.
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