Ecologia Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is ecology?
Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.
True or False: Ecosystems consist only of living organisms.
False: Ecosystems include both living organisms and their physical environment.
What is a biome?
A biome is a large geographic biotic unit, a major community of plants and animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the ultimate source of energy for most ecosystems.
sun
What are producers in an ecosystem?
Producers are organisms, like plants, that create their own food through photosynthesis.
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a biotic factor? A) Water B) Temperature C) Plants D) Soil
C) Plants
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
True or False: All ecosystems are self-sustaining.
False: Some ecosystems require external inputs to maintain their structure and function.
What is an ecological niche?
An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.
Fill in the blank: The _____ cycle describes the movement of water through the environment.
water
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a non-native organism that spreads widely and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas? A) Carbon dioxide B) Methane C) Oxygen D) Nitrous oxide
C) Oxygen
What is the primary cause of climate change?
The primary cause of climate change is the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities.
True or False: Ecological succession is a gradual process of change in an ecosystem.
True
What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an ecosystem but left the soil intact.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the largest terrestrial biome.
taiga
What are trophic levels?
Trophic levels are the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and so on.
What is carrying capacity?
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of a desert biome? A) High rainfall B) Low temperatures C) Extreme temperatures D) High biodiversity
C) Extreme temperatures
What is the significance of keystone species?
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, and their removal can lead to significant changes.
True or False: Symbiosis refers to a close and long-term interaction between two different species.
True
What are the three types of symbiotic relationships?
The three types of symbiotic relationships are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
