Detritivore: Decomposers in Food Webs Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is interference competition?

Direct interaction between species over a limited resource (correct)

When competing species share a common food resource

Indirect interaction between species over a limited resource

When competing species exploit the environment differently

What is a fundamental niche?

A niche where species actually live

A niche involving ecomorphs

A theoretical niche with ideal environments and no competition (correct)

A niche reflecting the realized environment

Which factor can limit population growth in an ecosystem?

Plants and animals as food sources

Sunlight and water

Temperature and water resources (correct)

Density-dependent factors

What are limiting factors to population growth?

Biotic and abiotic factors Signup and view all the answers

How do limiting factors impact ecological processes like photosynthesis in plants?

By causing plant death due to lack of sunlight and water Signup and view all the answers

What is carrying capacity in population dynamics?

The maximum number of organisms an ecosystem can support Signup and view all the answers

How do predator-prey graphs show the relationship between predator and prey populations?

Predator and prey populations increase simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between primary consumers and secondary consumers in an ecosystem?

Primary consumers eat producers, while secondary consumers eat primary consumers. Signup and view all the answers

How much energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of an energy pyramid in an ecosystem?

To quantify the flow of energy transfer through trophic levels Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic level receives the least amount of energy in an energy pyramid?

Tertiary consumers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere during the carbon cycle?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

Respiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth?

Rocks on the ocean floor Signup and view all the answers

'Nitrogen fixation' in the nitrogen cycle refers to the conversion of gaseous nitrogen into:

Ammonia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?

Intraspecific competition involves members of the same species, while interspecific competition involves members of different species. Signup and view all the answers

What is competitive exclusion?

When two species cannot coexist in the same habitat due to competition for limited resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of intraspecific competition?

Two individuals of the same bird species fighting over nesting locations. Signup and view all the answers

Why do peacocks have colorful feathers according to the text?

To attract mates. Signup and view all the answers

What defines interspecific competition?

Competition between individuals of different species for shared resources. Signup and view all the answers

How is local extinction different from competitive exclusion?

Local extinction refers to the extinction of a species in a specific location, not globally like competitive exclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of resources over which intraspecific competition can occur?

Territory, food, water, and mates. Signup and view all the answers

Why do two species undergo competitive exclusion?

Because they both depend on the exact same resource and cannot share it indefinitely. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession occurs after geological events, while secondary succession occurs after fires and floods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pioneer species in ecological succession?

Pioneer species are usually hardy and help repopulate damaged ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Why does resource competition increase as biodiversity grows in an ecosystem?

As species diversity increases, competition for limited resources intensifies. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a climax community?

In a climax community, dominant, well-established species coexist with minimal resource competition. Signup and view all the answers

How do offspring resulting from sexual reproduction differ from those resulting from asexual reproduction?

Offspring from sexual reproduction are genetically different from parents, while offspring from asexual reproduction are identical to parents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of meiosis in organisms that reproduce sexually?

To produce gametes with half the genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some plants use asexual reproduction methods like budding or spore formation?

Plants go through asexual reproduction as it ensures survival in changing environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

Create their own food using light or inorganic molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following trophic levels is responsible for breaking down decaying material in an ecosystem?

Decomposers Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a detritivore from a scavenger in terms of their feeding habits?

Detritivores consume dead matter to break it down further, while scavengers eat dead animals on a larger scale. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms can be classified as a decomposer?

Worms Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs?

Photoautotrophs use photosynthesis, while chemoautotrophs use chemosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of decomposition involves the physical breakdown of dead organic matter into smaller pieces?

Fragmentation Signup and view all the answers

How does eutrophication relate to the presence of too many producers in an ecosystem?

Eutrophication can cause dead zones due to excessive producer growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic level typically occupies the lowest position in a food chain or web?

Producers Signup and view all the answers

What ecological interaction involves competition between members of the same species?

Intraspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the battle between two species for the same resources in an ecosystem?

Competitive exclusion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common example of intraspecific competition mentioned in the text?

Increased aggression Signup and view all the answers

What does competitive exclusion refer to in ecology?

Two species being unable to coexist due to resource competition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical outcome of intraspecific competition as per the text?

Increased cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes competitive exclusion from local extinction?

Local extinction allows species to persist elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon leads to two species being pushed out of the same habitat due to resource competition?

Competitive exclusion Signup and view all the answers

How is interspecific competition different from intraspecific competition?

Intraspecific competition occurs within the same species while interspecific competition occurs between different species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between exploitation competition and interference competition?

Exploitation competition involves indirect interaction over a limited resource, while interference competition involves direct interaction with violence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

A fundamental niche is theoretical, while a realized niche is where a species actually lives. Signup and view all the answers

How do limiting factors impact photosynthesis in plants?

Limiting factors decrease photosynthesis by reducing resource availability. Signup and view all the answers

What can limit the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Abundance of limiting factors Signup and view all the answers

Why can disease have a greater impact on larger populations?

There are more individuals to spread the disease in larger populations. Signup and view all the answers

What do predator-prey graphs illustrate about their populations?

Predator populations increase as prey decreases. Signup and view all the answers

How do ecomorphs differ from other animal populations?

Ecomorphs evolve specific morphological features to adapt to different environments. Signup and view all the answers

What do density-dependent factors influence in a population?

Population growth rate based on population density. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession occurs after geological events, while secondary succession occurs after ecological disturbances like fires and floods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of reproductive methods like budding or spore formation in some plants?

They allow for rapid population recovery after disturbances. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some complex organisms like mammals and plants prefer meiosis over mitosis for reproduction?

To ensure genetic variability in offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason that only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

Energy is lost due to heat and metabolism in organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of pioneer species in ecological succession?

To prepare the environment for the establishment of other species. Signup and view all the answers

In the nitrogen cycle, what is the role of nitrifying bacteria?

Convert ammonia to nitrates and nitrites Signup and view all the answers

How does biodiversity impact resource competition in an ecosystem?

Higher biodiversity increases resource competition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between photosynthesis and respiration in the carbon cycle?

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide to oxygen, while respiration releases carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the process of a female and male sex cell coming together to form a zygote?

Fertilization Signup and view all the answers

How do producers obtain energy in an ecosystem?

Through photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What happens during mitosis in terms of genetic information?

Genetic information remains identical. Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic level receives the least amount of energy in an ecosystem?

Quaternary consumers Signup and view all the answers

Why can only specialized cells undergo meiosis for reproduction?

Meiosis requires specific genetic characteristics present in specialized cells. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbon dioxide released through combustion in the carbon cycle?

It dissolves in oceans as carbonic acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 10% rule in energy transfer between trophic levels?

It accounts for the inefficiencies in energy transfer. Signup and view all the answers

'Nitrogen fixation' during the nitrogen cycle refers to:

'Fixing' atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a detritivore and a scavenger in terms of their feeding habits?

Detritivores consume dead matter to break it down further, while scavengers eat dead animals and break them down into smaller pieces. Signup and view all the answers

Which trophic level typically occupies the highest position in a food chain or web?

Tertiary consumers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

To break down or eat decaying material for their energy source Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a food web in an ecosystem?

To illustrate the interconnected interactions between all food chains within an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Why are producers considered the basis for all energy transfers in an ecosystem?

Because they create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which decomposition stage involves the production of humus in the soil?

Humification Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes heterotrophs from autotrophs in terms of their energy source?

Heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy, while autotrophs create their own food. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a food chain within an ecosystem?

To demonstrate how energy flows through trophic levels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Here are the study notes for the text:

Intraspecific Competition

Intraspecific competition: an ecological interaction where members of the same species compete for resources necessary for survival.
Occurs when there are not enough resources to maintain a population.
Can be direct or indirect, e.g. fighting for food, water, shelter, and mates.
Examples: increased aggression, territory marking, and ornamental features (e.g. peacock's colorful feathers).

Interspecific Competition

Interspecific competition: competition between members of different species for shared resources.
Types: competition for space, food, and nesting locations.
Competitive exclusion: two species cannot persist in the same ecological habitat for an extended period without being pushed out due to competition for limited resources.

Ecological Interactions

Ecological competition: the battle between two species for the same resources in an ecosystem.
Limiting factors: factors that can prevent a population from growing (e.g. food, water, living space).
Types of limiting factors: biotic (living), abiotic (physical), density-dependent, and density-independent.

Population Dynamics

Carrying capacity: the maximum number of organisms an ecosystem can support.
Population growth: occurs when there are plenty of resources and few limiting factors.
Population decline: occurs when there are not enough resources and greater limiting factors.

Food Chains and Webs

Food chains: series of organisms where one is dependent on another for energy.
Food webs: complex, interconnected interactions between food chains in an ecosystem.
Producers: organisms that create their own food (e.g. plants, algae, bacteria).
Trophic levels: levels of energy transfer in an ecosystem (e.g. producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers).

Decomposition

Decomposers: organisms that break down or eat decaying material for energy (e.g. bacteria, fungi, worms).
Decomposition stages: fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification, and mineralization.
Detritivores: type of decomposer that consumes dead matter to break it down further.

Ecology

Ecological succession: gradual and continuing replacement of plant species after an environmental disturbance.
Primary succession: occurs after geological events (e.g. volcanic eruptions, glacier retreats).
Secondary succession: occurs after fires, floods, and agricultural activities.
Pioneer species: hardy primary producers that help restore plant life after a disturbance.

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction: involves two parents, resulting in genetically diverse offspring.
Asexual reproduction: involves one parent, resulting in genetically identical offspring.
Meiosis: production of gametes (sex cells) for sexual reproduction.
Mitosis: splitting of a parent cell into identical daughter cells for asexual reproduction.

Energy Flow

Energy pyramid: a diagram showing the flow and quantification of energy transfer in an ecosystem.
Energy transfer: occurs from one trophic level to the next, with only 10% of energy being transferred.
10% rule: each trophic level can only give 10% of its energy to the level above it.

Cycles

Carbon cycle: moves carbon between the Earth, atmosphere, and living things.
Nitrogen cycle: moves nitrogen between the atmosphere, Earth, and living things.
Human impact: disruption of these cycles can lead to global warming, climate change, and eutrophication.### Ecological Interactions
Exploitation competition: indirect interaction between species over a limited resource, leading to reduced access to resources for both species.
Interference competition: direct interaction between species, involving violence, that affects feeding, survival, reproduction, or physical establishment of individuals.
Niche differentiation: process by which competing species exploit their environment differently to coexist.
Fundamental niche: ideal environments with no limiting factors or competition, where a species can survive.
Realized niche: where the species actually live, considering limiting factors and competition.
Ecomorphs: populations of distantly related animals with morphological differences to adapt to certain environments.

Limiting Factors

Factors that prevent a population from growing, including:
- Biotic factors: living factors, such as plants and animals as food sources.
- Abiotic factors: physical factors, such as temperature and water resources.
- Food, water, and living space are three of the most important limiting factors.
Limiting factors can be classified into:
- Physical factors
- Biological factors
- Density-dependent factors
- Density-independent factors
Limiting factors impact ecological processes, such as photosynthesis, and can affect human populations as well.

Population Growth and Carrying Capacity

Population numbers rise and fall over time, influenced by limiting factors and resources.
When there are fewer limiting factors, populations will grow until they reach their carrying capacity.
Carrying capacity: the maximum number of organisms a population can hold.
When a population reaches its carrying capacity, it will begin to decrease due to limited resources.

Population Graphs

Population graphs show how populations change in an ecosystem.
Types of population graphs:
- Predator-prey graphs: show the direct relationship between predator and prey populations.
- Carrying capacity graphs: represent the maximum number of organisms an ecosystem can support.
- Population density graphs: show how density changes characteristics of a population.

Producers and Energy Transfer

Producers: organisms that make their own food, including autotrophs, photoautotrophs, and chemoautotrophs.
Producers are the basis for all energy transfers in the ecosystem.
Energy transfer: from producers to herbivorous primary consumers, through secondary consumers, to tertiary and quaternary consumers.
Energy is lost due to heat and metabolism in organisms, and only 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level.

Decomposers and Decomposition

Decomposers: organisms that break down or eat decaying material, including:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Insects
- Worms
Decomposition stages:
- Fragmentation
- Leaching
- Catabolism
- Humification
- Mineralization

Food Chains and Food Webs

Food chains: series of organisms where one is dependent on another for energy.
Food webs: complex, interconnected interactions between all food chains within an ecosystem.
Producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers, and quaternary consumers are the main trophic levels.

Energy Pyramids

Energy pyramids: diagrams showing the flow and quantification of energy transfer in an ecosystem.
Energy pyramids are based on the trophic levels of a food web.
The ten percent rule: each trophic level can only give 10% of its energy to the level above it.

Cycles of Matter

The carbon cycle: moves carbon between the Earth, atmosphere, and living things.
The nitrogen cycle: moves nitrogen between the atmosphere, Earth, and living things.
Human activities can disrupt these cycles, leading to global warming and climate change.

Ecological Succession

Ecological succession: the gradual and continuing replacement of plant species after an environmental disturbance.
Primary succession: occurs after geological events, eliminating all topsoil in the ecosystem.
Secondary succession: occurs after fires, floods, and agricultural activities remove vegetation, leaving topsoil behind.
Ecological succession leads to a climax community, where dominant species exist in a steady state with minimal resource competition.

Reproduction

Reproduction can occur sexually or asexually.
Asexual reproduction: Mitosis, resulting in genetically identical offspring.
Sexual reproduction: Meiosis, resulting in genetically diverse offspring.
Fertilization: the process of combining male and female sex cells to create a zygote.
Zygote development:Mitosis, leading to an embryo, and eventually, a genetically similar but not identical individual.

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Test your knowledge on producers in food webs, the trophic levels, and different types of producers like photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs.

Producers in Food Webs Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is interference competition?

What is a fundamental niche?

Which factor can limit population growth in an ecosystem?

What are limiting factors to population growth?

How do limiting factors impact ecological processes like photosynthesis in plants?

What is carrying capacity in population dynamics?

How do predator-prey graphs show the relationship between predator and prey populations?

What is the main difference between primary consumers and secondary consumers in an ecosystem?

How much energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem?

What is the main function of an energy pyramid in an ecosystem?

Which trophic level receives the least amount of energy in an energy pyramid?

What is the main source of carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere during the carbon cycle?

Which process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

What is the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth?

'Nitrogen fixation' in the nitrogen cycle refers to the conversion of gaseous nitrogen into:

What is the main difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?

What is competitive exclusion?

Which of the following is an example of intraspecific competition?

Why do peacocks have colorful feathers according to the text?

What defines interspecific competition?

How is local extinction different from competitive exclusion?

What are some examples of resources over which intraspecific competition can occur?

Why do two species undergo competitive exclusion?

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

What is the role of pioneer species in ecological succession?

Why does resource competition increase as biodiversity grows in an ecosystem?

Which statement accurately describes a climax community?

How do offspring resulting from sexual reproduction differ from those resulting from asexual reproduction?

What is the primary purpose of meiosis in organisms that reproduce sexually?

Why do some plants use asexual reproduction methods like budding or spore formation?

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

Which of the following trophic levels is responsible for breaking down decaying material in an ecosystem?

What distinguishes a detritivore from a scavenger in terms of their feeding habits?

Which of the following organisms can be classified as a decomposer?

What is the key difference between photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs?

Which stage of decomposition involves the physical breakdown of dead organic matter into smaller pieces?

How does eutrophication relate to the presence of too many producers in an ecosystem?

Which trophic level typically occupies the lowest position in a food chain or web?

What ecological interaction involves competition between members of the same species?

What term is used to describe the battle between two species for the same resources in an ecosystem?

Which of the following is a common example of intraspecific competition mentioned in the text?

What does competitive exclusion refer to in ecology?

Which of the following is NOT a typical outcome of intraspecific competition as per the text?

What distinguishes competitive exclusion from local extinction?

Which phenomenon leads to two species being pushed out of the same habitat due to resource competition?

How is interspecific competition different from intraspecific competition?

What is the main difference between exploitation competition and interference competition?

What is the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

How do limiting factors impact photosynthesis in plants?

What can limit the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Why can disease have a greater impact on larger populations?

What do predator-prey graphs illustrate about their populations?

How do ecomorphs differ from other animal populations?

What do density-dependent factors influence in a population?

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

What is the significance of reproductive methods like budding or spore formation in some plants?

Why do some complex organisms like mammals and plants prefer meiosis over mitosis for reproduction?

What is the main reason that only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

What is the primary role of pioneer species in ecological succession?

In the nitrogen cycle, what is the role of nitrifying bacteria?

How does biodiversity impact resource competition in an ecosystem?

What is the primary difference between photosynthesis and respiration in the carbon cycle?

Which term describes the process of a female and male sex cell coming together to form a zygote?

How do producers obtain energy in an ecosystem?

What happens during mitosis in terms of genetic information?

Which trophic level receives the least amount of energy in an ecosystem?

Why can only specialized cells undergo meiosis for reproduction?

What happens to carbon dioxide released through combustion in the carbon cycle?

What is the significance of the 10% rule in energy transfer between trophic levels?

'Nitrogen fixation' during the nitrogen cycle refers to:

What is the main difference between a detritivore and a scavenger in terms of their feeding habits?

Which trophic level typically occupies the highest position in a food chain or web?

What is the main role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

What is the primary function of a food web in an ecosystem?

Why are producers considered the basis for all energy transfers in an ecosystem?

Which decomposition stage involves the production of humus in the soil?

What distinguishes heterotrophs from autotrophs in terms of their energy source?