Ecosystem Basics
What is a biotic factor?
Living parts of an ecosystem (e.g. plants, animals etc.)
What organism group produces its own food
Producers
What gas is removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis?
What type of pollution leads to acid rain?
What is biodiversity?
Variety of life - species, genes, ecosystems
Give me one example of an abiotic factor
Sunlight, temperature, water etc.
Name an organism that is a secondary consumer
Snake, small carnivore, etc.
Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration
Give one example of an invasive species
e.g. Zebra mussels
Give me one example of a cultural ecosystem service.
Birds chirping, inspiration etc.
What does a food web show that a food chain does not?
Multiple energy pathways
What percentage of energy usually moves up each trophic level
About 10%
How do decomposers help in the nitrogen cycle?
Break down dead matter to release nitrogen into soil
Gradual buildup of toxins in an organism over time
How do indigenous knowledge systems promote sustainability?
Emphasize respect, reciprocity, and balance with nature.
Define a niche in an ecosystem
An organism's role and how it interacts with its environment
Why do higher trophic levels have less energy available?
Energy is lost as heat, movement, life processes
What role do bacteria play in nitrogen fixation
Convert nitrogen into nitrates plants can use
How does habitat fragmentation affect biodiversity?
Isolates populations, reduces genetic diversity
Increases adaptability and resilience to environmental changes.
Explain how the removal of a top predator (like a wolf) can cause a trophic cascade in an ecosystem. Give an example of one possible effect.
Prey populations will increase, leading to overgrazing and collapse of plant populations. Affects other species that depend on plants for food - disrupting entire food web.
Describe the flow of energy through an ecosystem starting with the sun
Sun --> producers --> consumers --> decomposers
Explain how combustion affects the carbon cycle
Releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as CO2
Describe 2 impacts that urban sprawl has on ecosystems
Habitat loss, increased pollution, decreased biodiversity
Describe 2 reasons why biodiversity is important for maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems. Explain how human actions can threaten biodiversity
Biodiversity increases ecosystem resilience and provides a wider range of ecosystem services.