Ecosystems
A system of living and non-living things interacting in an area.
Ecosystem
Organisms that obtain energy from the sun and make their own food.
Producers (autotroph)
An ecological relationship where one organism benefits (+), while the other is harmed (-). Ex. Tapeworms or fleas.
The main source of energy for most ecosystems.
The Sun
Pesticides that are toxic to a wide range of species.
Broad-spectrum pesticides
Non-living parts of an ecosystem like sunlight, water, and temperature.
Abiotic factors
Organisms that obtains its energy from eating other organisms.
Consumers (heterotroph)
An ecological relationship where both organisms benefit (+/+). Ex. Crocodile and Dikkop Birds.
Mutualism
What are the 3 cycles called that involve the movement of nutrients/elements through the biotic and abiotic environment on Earth?
Water Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle
The gradual buildup of toxins in an organism over time.
Bioaccumulation
A set of ecosystems sharing similar characteristics with their abiotic factors adapted to their environments.
Biome
The arrows in a food chain represent this.
Flow of Energy
Species that have a disproportionate effect on the structure of their community are called? (Ex. Wolves)
Keystone Species
Process of converting light energy to chemical energy by plants.
Photosynthesis
The increase in toxin concentration as you move up a food chain.
Biomagnification
Ecosystems can be classified into 2 groups? What are they?
Aquatic and Terrestrial
A diagram that shows all feeding relationships in an ecosystem.
Food web
Organisms competing for the same limited resource is called? DOUBLE POINTS if you can accurately name both types.
Competition (Intraspecific and Interspecific)
Only about this percent of energy moves to the next trophic level.
10%
The role of an organism in transferring energy by breaking down dead matter.
Decomposer
Our world is made up of FOUR spheres. What are they?
Lithosphere (land), Hydrosphere (water), Atmosphere (air), Biosphere (living things)
All trophic levels are connected to...
Decomposers
As a population grows, more resources (food, water, shelter, space) are required. At a certain point, a population will reach its max, and resources will run out. What is this limit called?
Carrying Capacity
The loss of energy between trophic levels is due to: List all 3 reasons for full points!
Heat (thermodynamics), indigestible parts, the cost of staying alive.
A species is introduced into a new environment, spreads quickly, and harms native species because it has no natural predators. This species is:
Invasive Species