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Questions and Answers
Which of the following correctly describes producers within an ecosystem?
Which of the following correctly describes producers within an ecosystem?
Which interaction is characterized by one species benefiting while the other is harmed?
Which interaction is characterized by one species benefiting while the other is harmed?
In an ecosystem, what is the primary role of decomposers?
In an ecosystem, what is the primary role of decomposers?
What is an example of mutualism in an ecosystem?
What is an example of mutualism in an ecosystem?
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Which factors are considered abiotic components of an ecosystem?
Which factors are considered abiotic components of an ecosystem?
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Study Notes
Ecosystem Definition
- An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) interacting with each other and their physical environment (air, water, soil)
Components of an Ecosystem
- Biotic: Living organisms (e.g., bears, fish, plants)
- Abiotic: Non-living components (e.g., rocks, sun, water)
Trophic Levels
- Producers (plants): Make their own food
-
Consumers: Eat other organisms
- Herbivores: Eat only plants
- Omnivores: Eat both plants and animals
- Carnivores: Eat only animals
- Detritivores/Decomposers: Break down dead organisms
- Food Chain: Shows the flow of energy through the ecosystem.
Interactions within an Ecosystem
- Predation: When one animal hunts, kills, and eats another
- Competition: When organisms compete for resources (e.g., food, water, shelter)
- Mutualism: When both species benefit from the interaction (e.g., bees and flowers)
- Commensalism: When one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped (e.g., barnacles on whales)
- Parasitism: When one species benefits and the other is harmed (e.g., mosquitoes and humans)
Other concepts
- Ecosystem stability: The ability of an ecosystem to maintain balance over time.
- Species: A group of organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.
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Description
Test your understanding of ecosystems, including their components, trophic levels, and interactions among organisms. This quiz covers essential concepts like biotic and abiotic factors, food chains, and ecological relationships. Perfect for students studying biology or environmental science.
