Ecosystem Dynamics
Which two changes would most likely increase the flow of energy through the mangrove forest ecosystem?
A: An increase in the number of decomposers, C: An increase in the amount of leaf litter.
What is the primary way that urban development impacts local ecosystems?
Urban development can lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation, reducing biodiversity.
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
They break down dead materials and recycle nutrients.
What is the effect of decreased rainfall on deer populations?
As the amount of rainfall decreased, the deer population decreased.
What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?
The Sun
How did the disease in the large fish effect eagle populations?
The eagles absorbed the disease after eating large fish.
How does pollution affect water quality in aquatic ecosystems?
Pollution can introduce harmful chemicals and toxins into water, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
What happens when a food web is disrupted?
Other populations may decrease or increase, affecting the entire ecosystem.
How did the introduction of cheatgrass affect deer populations in Colorado?
Cheatgrass is producer for both deer and elk
As the amount of cheatgrass increased, the deer population may have faced competition for resources.
How do producers contribute to energy flow in an ecosystem?
They convert sunlight into usable energy through photosynthesis.
What effect would removing snakes from a pond ecosystem have?
There would be an increase in the turtle population, which would cause an increase in the slug population
answers may vary
What is an invasive species, and how can it affect native populations?
An invasive species is a non-native organism that can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines in native populations.
How do alligators depend on water resources?
For nesting sites, habitat, and food supply.
What can indicate a healthy ecosystem?
Stable populations of native species and balanced food webs.
What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?
They obtain energy by eating plants and other animals.
What would happen if an invasive species entered an ecosystem and decreased songbird populations?
songbird--frog--fly--producer
Frogs would likely increase as a result.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Deforestation increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere by reducing the number of trees that can absorb CO2, contributing to global warming.
What can be concluded about the interaction between elk and cheatgrass?
Elk can consume cheatgrass, which impacts the availability of sagebrush for deer.
How do seasonal changes influence animal populations?
They can affect food availability and breeding cycles.
How does energy flow through a food chain?
Energy is transferred from producers to primary consumers and then to higher trophic levels.
What is mutualism in an ecosystem, and can you provide an example of two species that engage in a mutualistic relationship?
Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction. An example is the relationship between bees and flowering plants; bees pollinate the plants while obtaining nectar for food.
What role does agriculture play in shaping ecosystems, both positively and negatively?
Agriculture can provide food and habitat but can also lead to habitat loss, soil degradation, and pesticide pollution.
What is the difference between mutualism and parasitism in organism interactions, and can you provide an example of each?
Answer: Mutualism is a relationship where both species benefit, such as bees pollinating flowers. Parasitism is a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other, such as ticks feeding on a host animal.
How does an increase in nesting sites influence alligator populations?
It can lead to an increase in the overall population.
Explain how decomposers affect energy flow in an ecosystem.
They break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil and allowing new plants to grow, thus continuing the cycle of energy flow.