What is an environmental variable?
An environmental variable is a factor that can affect living organisms, such as temperature, water availability, and food sources.
What is competition?
Competition is the struggle between organisms for the same resources.
What is a food web?
A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms.
Name a visual communication method used by animals.
An example of visual communication is a peacock displaying its feathers.
What are abiotic factors?
Abiotic factors are non-living components of the environment, such as sunlight, temperature, and water.
How does food availability impact population size?
Food availability can limit or increase population sizes; if food is scarce, populations may decline.
Define mutualism.
Mutualism is a relationship where both species benefit.
What does an energy pyramid show?
An energy pyramid shows the amount of energy available at each trophic level.
How do animals use sound to communicate?
Animals use sound to communicate through calls, songs, or warnings
Name a characteristic of the tundra biome.
The tundra biome is characterized by cold temperatures, low vegetation, and permafrost.
Name a biotic factor that affects population size.
A biotic factor affecting population size could be predators or disease.
Give an example of a predator-prey relationship.
An example of a predator-prey relationship is a lion hunting a zebra.
How does energy transfer through trophic levels?
Energy is transferred from one level to the next but decreases as it moves up the levels.
Give an example of how communication can help with survival.
Communication can help with survival by attracting mates or warning about predators.
How do plants adapt to desert conditions?
Plants in deserts may have adaptations like deep roots or water-storing capabilities.
How can climate change affect population sizes?
Climate change can lead to habitat loss, changing weather patterns, and food shortages, impacting population sizes.
How do parasites affect their hosts?
Parasites can weaken their hosts and may lead to their death.
Describe the role of producers in a food web.
Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy, forming the base of the food web.
Compare auditory and visual communication in birds.
Birds may use bright colors or songs to attract mates, showcasing both communication methods.
Compare the grasslands and deciduous forest biomes.
Grasslands have more open spaces and grass, while deciduous forests have a variety of trees that lose leaves seasonally.
Explain how disease can impact a population
Disease can reduce population sizes by increasing mortality rates.
Explain the role of decomposers in an ecosystem.
Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil.
What happens to energy as it moves up the pyramid?
Energy decreases as it moves up the pyramid due to energy loss at each level through metabolic processes.
Why is communication important for mating?
Communication is crucial for mating as it helps identify potential partners and establish territories.
Explain how human activity affects marine ecosystems.
Human activity, such as pollution and overfishing, can severely impact marine ecosystems by disrupting food chains and habitats.