Interactions and Ecosystems
This term describes the non-living parts of an ecosystem, such as water and sunlight.
What is abiotic?
These organisms break down dead materials and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem
What are decomposers?
This term refers to the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time
What is succession?
This type of pollution was historically used as pesticide and has harmful environmental effects
What is DDT?
These organisms are animals that only eat plants
What are herbivores?
This type of symbiosis benefits both organisms involved.
What is mutualism?
This type of organism is at the base of the food chain and makes its own food
What are producers?
The introduction of non-native species that disrupts local ecosystems is known as this
What is bioinvasion?
This term describes the destruction of natural habitats due to human activities
What is habitat destruction?
This type of consumer eats both plants and animals
What are omnivores?
The sequence of who eats whom in an ecosystem is known as this
What is a food chain?
The flow of energy through an ecosystem is represented by this type of diagram
What is a food web?
This type of succession occurs in areas where no soil exists initially
What is primary succession?
The measure of the impact of human activities on the environment is known as this
What is an ecological footprint?
Animals that feed on dead or decaying organisms are known as this
What are scavengers?
The role or job an organism has within its ecosystem is called this
What is a niche?
This cycle involves the movement of water through the environment
What is the water cycle?
When a species is completely eliminated from an ecosystem, it is said to be this
What is extinction?
These species that are so rare that they are in danger of becoming extinct
What are endangered species?
This symbiotic relationship is where one species benefits and the other species is unaffected
What is commensalism?
This is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy
What is photosynthesis?
The carbon cycle is essential for maintaining this important gas in the atmosphere
What is carbon dioxide?
The first organisms to grow in a barren environment, which help create conditions suitable for other species is known as
What is pioneer species?
The increase in concentration of a chemical as it moves up the food chain
What is Biomagnification?
This term describes the living parts of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals
What is biotic?