Levels of Organization
What is the smallest unit of life?
the cell
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy from the sun into glucose. During this process, these organisms take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil, and, using sunlight, they produce glucose and oxygen.
What is the difference between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores?
herbivores - eat plants, carnivores - eat meat, omnivores - eat both
Which animal is known to have the most powerful bite force?
What are producers?
This group of plants produces oxygen and serves as the foundation of most food webs.
Name the levels of organization in the human body from smallest to largest.
atom - molecule - organelle - cell - tissue - organ - organ system - organism
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Name three types of ecosystems
Tundra, forest, desert, grasslands, freshwater ecosystems (like rivers and lakes), and marine ecosystems (like oceans and coral reefs).
how many hearts does an octopus have?
3
What are consumers?
An organism that obtains energy by eating other organisms; includes herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
Name the levels of organization in ecology from smallest to largest.
individual - population - community - ecosystem - biosphere
These ecosystems are characterized by high rainfall and a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Explain the concept of a food web versus a food chain.
A food chain outlines who eats whom. A food web is all of the food chains in an ecosystem.
What is the fastest land animal, and how fast can it run?
cheetah - speeds of up to 60 to 70 miles per hour
What is a decomposer?
Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, play a vital role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter and waste products. This process recycles nutrients back into the soil, making them available for plants and other producers.
What is the difference between populations and communities?
Populations refer to the same species in a given area, while communities include different species interacting in that area.
What is an ecosystem?
a community of living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) interacting with their physical environment, including non-living factors like water, soil, sunlight, and temperature, within a specific area
What is the difference between an abiotic factor and a biotic factor?
biotic factors are living things, while abiotic factors are non-living components
How many species of plants are estimated to exist?
500,000
What is the difference between an autotroph and heterotroph?
Autotroph: An organism that produces its own food, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis; includes plants and some bacteria.
Heterotroph: An organism that cannot produce its own food and must consume other organisms for energy; includes animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Name one reason why studying ecosystems is important.
One reason why studying ecosystems is important is that it helps us understand the relationships among organisms and how ecosystems function, which is crucial for conservation efforts.
What is "carrying capacity"?
The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.
How do human activities negatively impact ecosystems?
Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and climate change, can have significant negative impacts on ecosystems. These activities can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, alterations in species interactions, and changes in natural processes, ultimately threatening the stability and health of ecosystems.
What is the largest living organism on Earth?
the honey fungus - a network of fungus in Oregon's Malheur National Forest; spans over 2,385 acres (965 hectares) and is estimated to be thousands of years old
What is the difference between an invasive species and a native species?
Invasive species are non-native species that, when introduced to a new environment, can disrupt local ecosystems. They often outcompete native species for resources, introduce new diseases, and alter habitat structures. This can lead to a decline in native populations, loss of biodiversity, and changes in ecosystem dynamics