Ecosystems and Food Chains

What defines an ecosystem?

What are the two main components that make up an ecosystem's structure?

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

What is the correct sequence of energy flow in a food chain?

Which of the following roles does a decomposer play in an ecosystem?

Which statement best describes the term 'niche' in ecology?

What is one way energy is lost within an ecosystem?

Which of the following is considered an abiotic component of an ecosystem?

What role do primary consumers play in the food chain?

What is an example of a tertiary consumer in a typical food chain?

Ecosystems

An ecosystem is the structural and functional unit of ecology.
Organisms in an ecosystem interact with each other and their environment.
Ecosystems consist of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Ecosystem Structure

Ecosystems are characterized by biotic and abiotic components.
Biotic components are living organisms.
Abiotic components are non-living factors, like climate.
Energy flows through ecosystems from a producer to a consumer, to an apex predator, or a detritivore.

Food Chains

Energy is converted from light energy to chemical energy.
Energy flows through ecosystems through successive levels.
The flow of energy from a producer to a consumer to an apex predator or detritivore is called a food chain. This process is part of biological processes.
Examples shown: Grasshoppers eat grass, mice eat grasshoppers, snakes eat mice, eagles eat snakes. Fungi break organisms down at the end of the chain, recycling nutrients to help the grass grow.

Ecosystem Hierarchy

Ecosystems include biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
Biotic components include producers, consumers (primary, secondary, tertiary), and decomposers.
Decomposers break down organic matter.

Niche

In ecology, a niche describes an organism's role within a community.

Explore the fascinating world of ecosystems and food chains through this quiz. Learn about the interactions between biotic and abiotic components, the flow of energy, and the relationships between producers, consumers, and predators. Test your knowledge on key ecological concepts!