Carrying Capacity Basics
Populations & Communities
Community Interactions
Symbiosis & Keystone Species
Potential Test Questions
100
What must stay in balance within an ecosystem?
organisms and resources
100
What is a population?
a group of the same species that can interact and mate
100
What are three things organisms compete for?
food, mates, and space
100
How do bees help flowers?
pollination
100
What does the dotted line on the graph below represent?
Carrying capacity
200
What term describes all living parts of an ecosystem?
biotic factors
200
What is a community made up of?
all plants, animals, and other living organisms in an ecosystem
200
Why do squirrels and chipmunks gather acorns before winter?
to store food for colder months
200
Do cattle egrets help or harm cows?
neither—they don’t affect cows
200
What would happen if a population were to exceed its carrying capacity?
The death rate of the population will rise
300
What are examples of abiotic factors?
air, water, temperature, soil, and rocks
300
Is one buffalo an organism, a population, or a community?
an organism
300
What lawn organisms compete for the same resources?
trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds
300
What is a parasite?
an organism that benefits while harming a host
300
Explain at least three ways population is controlled.
Predation and disease result in death of organisms while competition for resources can lead to some organisms that cannot compete not surviving.
400
How are organisms organized within an ecosystem?
levels based on number and interactions
400
Can bacteria be part of a community? Why
yes because bacteria is a living thing
400
What type of interaction helps control population size?
predation
400
Why are keystone species important?
They control populations or provide resources
400
Explain how predation can be a positive benefit to a population of prey organisms.
Predation can be a positive benefit to a population of prey because it tends to keep them below their carrying capacity.
500
What are all living organisms made of?
cells
500
What must organisms be able to do to be in the same population?
interact and mate with one another
500
What is a symbiotic relationship?
a close relationship where at least one organism benefits
500
What do coral reefs provide for other species?
shelter and mating grounds
500
How are carrying capacity, ecosystems, and biodiversity interrelated with one another?
The carrying capacity of an ecosystem is related to its biodiversity. The greater the biodiversity, the more stability in an ecosystem allowing for a stable carrying capacity.