Ecology Basics and Food Chains Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which term describes organisms that convert inorganic substances into organic matter using energy from chemical reactions?

Photosynthesizer

Heterotroph

Chemosynthesizer (correct)

Autotroph

In an energy pyramid, what percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next, according to the 10% rule?

10% (correct)

20%

Which category of consumer is primarily responsible for the breakdown of organic material and nutrient recycling in an ecosystem?

Carnivores

Omnivores

Herbivores

Decomposers (correct)

What term refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely?

Carrying capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following levels of ecological organization is defined as a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area?

Population Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of consumers with their definitions:

Carnivore = Eats only other animals Herbivore = Eats only plants Omnivore = Eats both plants and animals Scavenger = Feeds on dead organic matter Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ecological concepts with their descriptions:

Energy pyramid = A model that depicts energy flow through trophic levels Food chain = A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass Food web = A complex network of interconnected food chains 10% rule = A principle stating that only 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their ecological roles:

Producer = Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis Consumer = Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms Decomposer = Organisms that break down dead material and recycle nutrients Primary consumer = An herbivore that feeds on producers Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ecological organizations with their definitions:

Population = A group of individuals of the same species in a specific area Community = A collection of different species living in the same area Biome = A major regional ecological community characterized by its climate and vegetation Biosphere = The global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists Signup and view all the answers

Match the following trophic levels with their consumer hierarchy:

Tertiary consumer = A carnivore that eats secondary consumers Secondary consumer = An organism that eats primary consumers Quaternary consumer = An apex predator at the top of the food chain Top predator = The highest trophic level with no natural enemies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Chain and Food Web

A food chain represents a linear sequence of energy flow from one organism to another.
A food web consists of interconnected food chains, illustrating the complex relationships in an ecosystem.

Photosynthesis and Chemosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophs (e.g., plants) convert sunlight into chemical energy using chloroplasts.
Chemosynthesis involves the use of chemical energy, typically by certain bacteria, to produce organic compounds, often in the absence of sunlight.

Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food, primarily through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Heterotrophs rely on other organisms for sustenance, consuming plants, animals, or decomposed matter.

Producers and Consumers

Producers are autotrophs that form the base of the energy pyramid, generating energy for the ecosystem.
Consumers are classified based on their dietary habits:
- Carnivores consume other animals.
- Herbivores consume plants.
- Omnivores consume both plants and animals.
- Scavengers feed on dead organisms and decomposers break down organic matter, recycling nutrients.

Energy Pyramid

Energy Pyramid illustrates the flow of energy through different trophic levels, with producers at the base and top predators at the apex.
The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is transferred to the next level, limiting the number of trophic levels.

Trophic Levels

Primary consumers are herbivores that feed directly on producers.
Secondary consumers are carnivores that eat primary consumers.
Tertiary consumers eat secondary consumers, while quaternary consumers are at the top of the food chain, consuming tertiary consumers.
Top predators have few or no natural enemies.

Levels of Ecological Organization

Organism: Individual living entity.
Population: Group of the same species living in a specific area.
Community: Different populations interacting in a shared environment.
Biome: Large ecological area on Earth, defined by climate and vegetation types.
Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.
Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.