Food Webs and Ecological Terms

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Questions and Answers

What role do decomposers play in the nutrient cycle?

They release oxygen into the atmosphere.

They provide energy to herbivores.

They break down dead organic matter. (correct)

They consume living plants.

Which statement is true about malaria?

It can be treated with antibiotics.

It is caused by a bacterial infection.

It is spread by a female mosquito-borne protozoan. (correct)

It primarily affects the respiratory system.

What is the main characteristic of micro-organisms?

They are multicellular organisms.

They can be seen with the naked eye.

They are always harmful to other life forms.

They reproduce quickly and are unicellular. (correct)

What is the primary symptom of tuberculosis?

Coughing blood. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases is caused by a virus?

HIV/AIDS. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through respiration?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

Regulates the entry and exit of substances Signup and view all the answers

What process can be described by the equation CO₂ + H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes xerophytes?

Plants that have adapted to dry environments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms describes an animal's ability to blend into its surroundings?

Camouflage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes a food chain?

It is a linear sequence showing how energy is transferred between organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in a food web?

They recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem by breaking down dead matter. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines a trophic level?

The position an organism occupies in a food chain. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes heterotrophs in an ecological context?

They consume other organisms for energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of consumer?

Decomposer Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a relationship where both organisms benefit?

Mutualism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of producers in an ecosystem?

To create their own food through processes like photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes biodiversity?

The variety of life within an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Webs and Food Chains

Energy is transferred from producers to consumers.
Arrows in a food chain represent energy transfer.
Decomposers are the final link in a food chain.
Producers create their own food using photosynthesis.
Consumers consume other organisms for food.
- Omnivores eat both plants and animals.
- Herbivores eat only plants.
- Carnivores eat only animals.
- Insectivores eat only insects.
- Scavengers eat dead animals and plants.
Decomposers break down dead organic matter.
Photosynthesis formula: $CO_2 + H_2O → O_2 + C_6H_{12}O_6$

Ecological Terms

Individual: One living organism.
Population: A group of individuals of the same species.
Community: A group of different populations living together.
Ecosystem: All communities and their environment (biotic and abiotic).
Biosphere: All ecosystems.
Biodiversity: Variety of life in an ecosystem.
Habitat: An organism's living area.

MRS GREN Notes

Movement: Moving from one place to another.
Reproduction: Creating more of the same organism.
Sensitivity: The ability to perceive and respond to the environment.
Growth: An increase in size or weight.
Respiration: The process of converting glucose into energy (ATP).
Excretion: The elimination of waste products.
Nutrition: Obtaining food (animals) or producing it (plants).

Cell Structure and Function

Cell Membrane: A thin, flexible layer that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Cytoplasm: Where chemical reactions occur, such as photosynthesis.
Nucleus: The control center of the cell, containing DNA.
Mitochondria: The site of ATP production through respiration.

Processes

Respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ → ATP + H₂O + CO₂
Photosynthesis: CO₂ + H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂

Environmental Adaptations

Xerophytes: Adapted to dry environments.
Hydrophytes: Adapted to wet environments.

Animal Adaptations

Camouflage: Blending in with surroundings.
Mimicry: Resembling another animal or object.

Nutrient Cycle

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing minerals into the soil.
Plants take up minerals from the soil for growth.
Dead leaves contribute to the soil's nutrient content.

Disease Caused by a Protozoan

Malaria: Caused by the protozoan Plasmodium, transmitted by mosquitoes.
Symptoms: High fever, chills, shaking, sweating, muscle aches, headaches, vomiting.
Treatment: Prophylactics (preventive medicine) for Plasmodium.

Waterborne Diseases

Spread through contaminated water.

Disease Caused by a Virus

HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
Management: Healthy lifestyle and ARVs (Antiretroviral Medicines).
Symptoms: Fever, aches, sore throat, swollen glands.

Disease Caused by Bacteria

TB (Tuberculosis): A lung infection.
Treatment: Long-term antibiotics use.
Symptoms: Coughing blood, fever, weight loss, night sweats.

Micro-organisms

Unicellular and microscopic.
Reproduce quickly.
Found in water, air, soil, and inside/outside living organisms.
Types:
- Non-cellular: Viruses (not included in MRS GREN).
- Monera: Bacteria (included in MRS GREN).
- Protista: Protozoans and algae (included in MRS GREN).
- Fungi: Mushrooms, yeasts, and molds (included in MRS GREN).
- Plantae and Animalia: Larger organisms.

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Description

Test your knowledge on food webs, food chains, and essential ecological terms. This quiz covers energy transfer among producers, consumers, and decomposers, along with key definitions like individual, population, and ecosystem. Challenge yourself and enhance your understanding of ecological concepts!