Producers in Food Webs Quiz
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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?

    <p>Biotic and abiotic factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What is carrying capacity in population dynamics?

    <p>The maximum number of organisms an ecosystem can support</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Predator and prey populations increase simultaneously</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Primary consumers eat producers, while secondary consumers eat primary consumers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To quantify the flow of energy transfer through trophic levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Tertiary consumers</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

    <p>Respiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth?

    <p>Rocks on the ocean floor</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Ammonia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?

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

    What is competitive exclusion?

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

    Which of the following is an example of intraspecific competition?

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

    Why do peacocks have colorful feathers according to the text?

    <p>To attract mates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines interspecific competition?

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

    How is local extinction different from competitive exclusion?

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

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

    <p>Territory, food, water, and mates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do two species undergo competitive exclusion?

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

    What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

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

    What is the role of pioneer species in ecological succession?

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

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

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

    Which statement accurately describes a climax community?

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

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

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

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

    <p>To produce gametes with half the genetic information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

    <p>Create their own food using light or inorganic molecules</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Decomposers</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Worms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs?

    <p>Photoautotrophs use photosynthesis, while chemoautotrophs use chemosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Fragmentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Producers</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Intraspecific competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Competitive exclusion</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Increased aggression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does competitive exclusion refer to in ecology?

    <p>Two species being unable to coexist due to resource competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Increased cooperation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes competitive exclusion from local extinction?

    <p>Local extinction allows species to persist elsewhere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Competitive exclusion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is interspecific competition different from intraspecific competition?

    <p><strong>Intraspecific</strong> competition occurs within the same species while <strong>interspecific</strong> competition occurs between different species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

    How do limiting factors impact photosynthesis in plants?

    <p>Limiting factors decrease photosynthesis by reducing resource availability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can limit the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

    <p>Abundance of limiting factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can disease have a greater impact on larger populations?

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

    What do predator-prey graphs illustrate about their populations?

    <p>Predator populations increase as prey decreases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do ecomorphs differ from other animal populations?

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

    What do density-dependent factors influence in a population?

    <p>Population growth rate based on population density.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

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

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

    <p>They allow for rapid population recovery after disturbances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To ensure genetic variability in offspring.</p> 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?

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

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

    <p>To prepare the environment for the establishment of other species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Convert ammonia to nitrates and nitrites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does biodiversity impact resource competition in an ecosystem?

    <p>Higher biodiversity increases resource competition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Fertilization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do producers obtain energy in an ecosystem?

    <p>Through photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during mitosis in terms of genetic information?

    <p>Genetic information remains identical.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Quaternary consumers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can only specialized cells undergo meiosis for reproduction?

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

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

    <p>It dissolves in oceans as carbonic acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It accounts for the inefficiencies in energy transfer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Nitrogen fixation' during the nitrogen cycle refers to:

    <p>'Fixing' atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Tertiary consumers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    <p>Humification</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>To demonstrate how energy flows through trophic levels</p> 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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