POPULATIONS & CARRYING CAPACITY
What happens to biodiversity when photosynthesis increases?
it increases
Where does energy in an ecosystem come from?
the sun
What direction does energy flow in a food chain?
bottom to top; From what is eaten to what eats it
What gas do plants release during photosynthesis?
oxygen
Which plants grow first after a fire?
Grasses and small plants
what is carrying capacity
The largest population an environment can support
Which organisms have the MOST energy?
producers
who eats producers?
primary consumers
What do animals get from plants to breathe?
oxygen
What happens when fertilizer causes algae to grow too much?
Oxygen levels decrease
What TWO things can increase carrying capacity?
More space and more food
Why does energy decrease at each level of the pyramid?
energy is lost as heat
Which comes first in a food chain: plant or animal?
plant
What type of energy does photosynthesis make?
chemical energy
Why are sea otters important in kelp forests?
They control sea urchin populations
Why do other ant species increase when fire ants are removed?
*think of the fire ants as big and bad*
Fire ants kept other ants from surviving
Who has more energy: producers or consumers?
producers
which is the correct flow?
plant → rabbit → hawk OR hawk → rabbit → plant
plant → rabbit → hawk
What do plants need for photosynthesis?
Sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide
Why was DDT banned? *DDT is insecticide*
It built up in food chains; environmental damage
What happens when a population goes over carrying capacity?
The population decreases
What happens to energy as it moves up a food chain?
decreases; Less energy is available
What role do decomposers play?
They break down dead organisms
Why is photosynthesis important to animals?
It provides oxygen and food
How does drought affect plants?
They get less water and minerals