Ecosystem Explorers
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Biotic and abiotic factors
What is the ultimate source of energy for most ecosystems?
The Sun
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life in an area
What are the four main nutrient cycles in ecosystems?
Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water cycles
What is deforestation?
The clearing of forests for agriculture or development
What is the term for a group of organisms of the same species living in an area?
Population
What do primary consumers eat?
Producers (plants)
What is the most biodiverse biome on Earth?
Tropical rainforest
What process do plants use to take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Photosynthesis
What is the greenhouse effect?
The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere by gr
What type of ecosystem is characterized by low precipitation and extreme temperatures?
Desert
What percentage of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next?
About 10%
What is the difference between an endangered species and a threatened species?
Endangered species are at a high risk of extinction; threatened species are likely to become endangered.
What is the role of decomposers in nutrient cycles?
They break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil.
How does pollution affect biodiversity?
It damages habitats, poisons organisms, and disrupts ecosystems.
What term describes the role or job of a species within its ecosystem?
Niche
What type of organism breaks down dead material and recycles nutrients?
Decomposers (e.g., fungi, bacteria)
What is an invasive species?
A non-native species that disrupts the local ecosystem
What human activities increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
What is one way humans can help conserve biodiversity?
Establishing protected areas (e.g., national parks)
What is an example of a keystone species, and why is it important?
Sea otters; they control sea urchin populations, protecting kelp forests.
Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks; they remove sick and injured species from the ecosystem preventing disease and decay.
What is an example of a food chain in a forest ecosystem?
Sun → Grass → Rabbit → Fox → Decomposers
How do biodiversity hotspots help conservation efforts?
They focus protection on areas with high species diversity and endemism.
Why is nitrogen fixation important for ecosystems?
It converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use.
What is an example of a successful species recovery effort?
The bald eagle, due to banning DDT and conservation efforts