Carrying Capacity
What does the term carrying capacity describe in an ecosystem?
The maximum population size an environment can sustain
Which organisms are responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy?
Producers (plants)
Biodiversity does what to an ecosystem's stability?
More stable
Which factor would most likely decrease the carrying capacity for deer in a forest?
a) Increased rainfall
b) More available food
c) Loss of forest habitat
d) Fewer predators
c) Loss of forest habitat
Which process returns nutrients from dead organisms back to the ecosystem?
Decomposition
Which human activity most directly leads to habitat loss?
a) Recycling
b) Urban development
c) Wildlife conservation
d) Planting trees
b) Urban development
If a rabbit population exceeds the carrying capacity of its habitat, what will most likely happen to the population?
The population will decline due to limited resources
What is the main purpose of photosynthesis?
Convert light energy into chemical energy
Which event is most likely to disrupt ecosystem stability?
a) Seasonal temperature changes
b) Introduction of an invasive species
c) Daily sunlight cycles
d) Normal reproduction
b) Introduction of an invasive species
Name an example of a "biotic" factor that affects carrying capacity.
Disease, competition, predation
What are the products of photosynthesis?
Oxygen and glucose
What is ecosystem resilience?
a) Ability to recover after a disturbance
b) Ability to grow rapidly
c) Ability to eliminate predators
d) Ability to stop evolution
Name an example of an "abiotic" factor that affects carrying capacity.
Drought, wildfire, flooding
The products of one are the reactants of the other
Which strategy best supports sustainable ecosystems?
a) Using unlimited natural resources
b) Protecting biodiversity and habitats
c) Removing predators
d) Increasing pollution
b) Protecting biodiversity and habitats