Ecology Quiz: Ecological Relationships

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Questions and Answers

Define the term 'ecosystem' and include an example.

An ecosystem is a distinct self-supporting system of organisms interacting with each other and with the physical environment. An example is a forest ecosystem.

What are abiotic factors and provide three examples?

Abiotic factors are non-living elements of an ecosystem. Examples include sunlight, water, and soil nutrients.

What is the difference between interspecific and intraspecific competition?

Interspecific competition occurs between different species, while intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species.

Explain the role of producers in an ecosystem.

Producers, or autotrophs, are organisms that can photosynthesize and create their own food using sunlight. They form the base of the food chain. Signup and view all the answers

Identify and describe two types of consumers and their roles in the ecosystem.

Consumers include herbivores that eat plants and carnivores that eat other animals. Herbivores serve as primary consumers, while carnivores are secondary or tertiary consumers in the food chain. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes carnivores from herbivores?

Carnivores eat other animals, while herbivores consume only plants. Signup and view all the answers

Define detritivores and provide two examples.

Detritivores are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients from non-living organic matter. Examples include earthworms and dung beetles. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of decomposers in the ecosystem.

Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic material externally and absorb the resulting nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main interaction in a predator-prey relationship?

In a predator-prey relationship, the predator hunts, kills, and feeds on the prey. Signup and view all the answers

How might the visual acuity of eagles benefit them as predators?

Eagles' visual acuity allows them to spot potential prey from great distances. Signup and view all the answers

What are some structural adaptations that predators may possess?

Structural adaptations in predators can include claws, canine teeth, and web-building abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Why are omnivores able to utilize both plant and animal sources?

Omnivores can consume a variety of food sources, including plants and animals, allowing for dietary flexibility. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'intraspecific competition' refer to?

Intraspecific competition refers to competition among individuals of the same species for resources. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the populations of predators and prey might fluctuate.

Predator populations rise when prey is abundant, and fall when prey populations decrease. Signup and view all the answers

Can you explain the difference between detritus and humus?

Detritus is dead organic material, while humus is decayed organic matter mixed within topsoil. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecological Relationships

Ecology describes the living world
An ecosystem is made up of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors
A species is a group of organisms of one type living in the same place at the same time
A community is made up of different species populations
A biosphere is the living world (all parts of Earth where life is found)
A habitat is the place where specific organisms live
A population is all the organisms of a particular species in an ecosystem at one time
An ecosystem is a self-supporting system of organisms interacting with each other (biotic factors) and the physical environment (abiotic factors)

Competition

Interspecific competition: between members of different species
Intraspecific competition: between members of the same species
Plants compete for light, water, minerals (nutrients), and space
Animals compete for food, water, mates, and territory

Feeding Relationships

Producer/autotroph: an organism that produces its own food (e.g., plants, algae) through photosynthesis
Consumer/heterotroph: an organism that consumes other organisms
Herbivore: eats only plants
Carnivore: eats only animals
Omnivore: eats both plants and animals
Detritivore: breaks down dead organic matter (e.g., dung beetles, earthworms)
Decomposer: breaks down dead organic matter through external enzyme release (e.g., bacteria, fungi)

Predator-Prey Relationships

Predation: one organism (predator) hunts, kills, and feeds on another organism (prey)
Predators and prey populations are linked.
Predators have adaptations that help them catch prey (e.g., speed, sharp teeth)
Prey have adaptations that help them avoid predators (e.g., camouflage, speed)
Predator-prey relationships show fluctuations over time, due to factors like food availability, disease or climate. This is visible in graph patterns.
High prey population leads to increasing predator population, leading to a decline in prey population, as resources become scarce, and cyclical pattern repeats.
Snowshoe hare and Canadian lynx populations fluctuate in cycles related to predation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on ecological relationships, including ecosystems, species interactions, and competition. This quiz covers key concepts such as biotic and abiotic factors, population dynamics, and food chains. Perfect for students studying ecology!