Ecology Overview
The study of interactions in an ecosystem is called....
Ecology
The transfer of energy (as food) from organism to organism
Food Chain
The variety of all living things and the systems that connect them...
Biodiversity
List the three limiting factors in ecosystems
Food, Water, Shelter/Space
Give an example of an ecosystem
Prairie, forest, marine, desert, mountain, rainforest, etc.
In this symbiotic relationship, both species benefit
mutualistic relationship/mutualism
The natural interconnection of food chains in an ecosystem
Food web
True or False: Biodiversity helps ecosystems build healthy soil
Give an example of an ABIOTIC factor in an ecosystem
Rocks, wind, sun, rain, water, temperature, etc.
What does the term Biotic mean?
Living
What is the largest level of organization of ecosystems?
Biosphere, Planet Earth
List the three main trophic levels
Producers, consumers, decomposers
True or False: More biodiversity = a unhealthy planet
More biodiversity = a healthier planet
The number of organisms of the same species in a specific area
Population Density
These types of animals eat both plants and other animals
Omnivores
In this symbiotic relationship, one species benefits and the other is harmed
Parasitic relationship/parasitism
These organisms make their own food, usually through photosynthesis
Producers
True or false: Biodiversity helps ecosystems produce oxygen
True
Carrying Capacity
These types of animals HAVE a backbone
Vertebrates
What is the smallest level of organization in ecology?
Organism
Primary consumer, secondary consumer, tertiary consumer, ...
Quaternary consumer
Give three ways you can help promote biodiversity in ecosystems (think Bill Nye)
Plant trees, leave nature in nature, recycle, stay on trails, etc.
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
Habitat
Invertebrates