Ecosystems & Interactions
What term describes the specific role or job of an organism in its habitat?
Niche
What do we call the first organisms to establish themselves in a new area?
Pioneer Species
What do we call the benefits that humans receive from ecosystems?
Ecosystem services
How do adaptations help organisms?
They help organisms survive in changing environments
It helps species cope with environmental changes
It disappears completely from Earth
What is the relationship called when one animal hunts and kills another for food?
Predation
What is primary succession?
The first colonization of bare rock
Which of the following is an example of cultural ecosystem services?
Recreational activities like hiking
Why are pioneer species important in succession?
They prepare the environment for other species
What are invasive species?
Species that humans introduce to new ecosystems
Which type of relationship benefits both species involved?
Mutualism
What is a keystone species?
A species that has a large impact on the ecosystem
What role do supporting services play in ecosystems?
They provide the basic functions that make all other ecosystem services possible
Why is a niche more complex than just where an organism lives?
It includes all interactions, resources needed, and role in the ecosystem
Why is habitat preservation important for biodiversity?
It maintains natural connections between species
How do parasitic relationships differ from predator-prey relationships?
Parasites don't usually kill their hosts immediately
What happens to an ecosystem when a keystone species is removed?
The ecosystem undergoes dramatic changes
How do regulatory ecosystem services benefit the environment?
They help control natural processes like air quality and pollination
How does competition between species affect an ecosystem?
It can lead to adaptations and changes in behavior
What makes sustainability important in ecosystem management?
It ensures resources and ecosystems remain available long-term
What makes mutualism different from commensalism?
Mutualism, both species benefit
How does genetic diversity help species survive?
It allows better adaptation to environment changes
How do cultural ecosystem services differ from provisional services?
Cultural services provide non-material benefits like recreation
What makes adaptation important for species survival
It helps species cope with environmental changes
How do invasive species affect native ecosystems?
They can disrupt natural relationships and compete with native species