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These organisms are introduced to ecosystems where they did not previously exist.
What are introduced species?
This term refers to the variety of life forms in an ecosystem, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity.
What is biodiversity?
This type of species modifies habitats and creates new ones for other organisms.
What are foundation species?
Excessive carbon in the atmosphere contributes to this global issue.
What is climate change?
This phenomenon occurs when excessive nutrients in water bodies lead to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
What is eutrophication?
Invasive species often thrive because they lack these in their new environment.
What are natural predators?
This type of diversity refers to the genetic differences within a species.
What is genetic diversity?
This type of diversity includes the number of different ecosystems in a particular region.
What is ecosystem diversity?
This gas, essential for life, makes up 78% of Earth’s atmosphere.
What is nitrogen?
These are non-living factors that influence ecosystems, such as temperature, sunlight, and soil quality.
What are abiotic factors?
These mollusks clog water intake systems and outcompete native species in Manitoba.
What are zebra mussels?
These organisms create and maintain habitats that benefit other species.
What are ecosystem engineers?
These species are often introduced by humans and can become invasive.
What are non-native species?
This process involves the conversion of dead organisms into fossil fuels.
What is fossilization?
These consumers occupy the second trophic level and feed directly on producers.
What are primary consumers?
Invasive species often compete with native species for these essential resources.
What are food and habitat?
These species are sensitive to environmental changes and serve as early warning signs.
What are indicator species?
These organisms are crucial for decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients.
What are fungi?
This mutualistic bacteria live in the root nodules of legumes to assist in nitrogen fixation.
What is Rhizobium?
This shape represents the decreasing availability of energy as it moves through an ecosystem.
What is an energy pyramid?
a species that no longer exists in the wild in Canada, but is still occurring elsewhere
What is extirpated species?
The removal of this type of species can lead to significant changes or collapse in the ecosystem.
What is a keystone species?
A decrease in this factor can lead to a loss of ecosystem resilience
What is species richness or biodiversity?
Plants and animals absorb nitrates through this process to create proteins and DNA.
What is assimilation?
The destruction of forests for agriculture or urbanization significantly impacts this biogeochemical cycle.
What is the carbon/oxygen cycle?