10.3 Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is a trophic cascade?
A trophic cascade is an ecological phenomenon where changes in the population of one species, typically a top predator, lead to cascading effects on the populations of other species in the food web.
True or False: Trophic cascades only occur in terrestrial ecosystems.
False
Fill in the blank: In a trophic cascade, the removal of ________ can lead to an increase in herbivore populations.
predators
What is the role of primary producers in a trophic cascade?
Primary producers, such as plants and phytoplankton, form the base of the food web and are crucial for energy transfer in trophic cascades.
Which of the following is an example of a top predator? A) Rabbit B) Wolf C) Grass
B) Wolf
Describe a classic example of a trophic cascade.
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park led to a decrease in elk populations, which allowed for the recovery of vegetation and increased biodiversity.
What happens to plant life when top predators are removed from an ecosystem?
Plant life often declines due to overgrazing by herbivore populations that increase in the absence of predators.
True or False: All consumers in an ecosystem can trigger a trophic cascade.
False
What are secondary consumers?
Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers; they are typically carnivores or omnivores.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary consumer? A) Deer B) Bear C) Grass
A) Deer
Fill in the blank: Trophic cascades can affect both ________ and ________ populations.
plant, animal
What is a bottom-up control in an ecosystem?
Bottom-up control refers to the regulation of populations in an ecosystem starting from the primary producers up to higher trophic levels.
How can trophic cascades influence biodiversity?
Trophic cascades can increase biodiversity by allowing various species to thrive when predator populations regulate herbivore numbers.
True or False: Trophic cascades only affect species at the same trophic level.
False
What is meant by ‘keystone species’ in the context of trophic cascades?
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance, often critical in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.
Give an example of a trophic cascade in an aquatic ecosystem.
The decline of sharks in coral reefs can lead to an increase in herbivorous fish, which can overgraze algae, resulting in coral decline.
What is the effect of overfishing on trophic cascades?
Overfishing can remove top predators, leading to an increase in prey species and subsequent negative impacts on primary producers.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a tertiary consumer? A) Rabbit B) Fox C) Hawk
C) Hawk
Fill in the blank: The ________ level of a food chain consists of organisms that produce their own food.
producer
What can be a consequence of removing herbivores from an ecosystem?
Removing herbivores can lead to overgrowth of vegetation and loss of plant diversity.
True or False: Trophic cascades can have both direct and indirect effects on ecosystems.
True
What is the significance of understanding trophic cascades in ecology?
Understanding trophic cascades is crucial for ecosystem management and conservation efforts, as they highlight the interconnectedness of species.
What role do omnivores play in trophic cascades?
Omnivores can occupy multiple trophic levels, influencing both herbivore and producer populations, thereby complicating trophic dynamics.
