Vocabulary
Large geographic regions characterized by their own vegetation and animal life.
Biomes
These organisms, such as earthworms, are similar to decomposers; however, they do not have the enzymes to break things down into soil components, but instead break them down into smaller pieces in order to speed up the decaying process.
Detritivores
This biome is also referred to as the boreal forest or taiga.
Northern Coniferous Forest
How many forms of symbiosis are OFTEN seen in nature?
Three: mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism.
This abiotic factor supplies all of the basic energy of an ecosystem.
Radiation
Community
A one-way series of steps showing the transfer of food an nutrients from one trophic level to another.
Food Chain
This biome includes the rich and beautiful prairies and plains of North America and are said to have the most fertile soil in the world.
Grasslands
This relationship is highlighted by one organism inhibiting another.
Ammensalism
This is an organism's ideal range; this ensures that they not only survive, but thrive.
Optimum Range
An ecosystems ability to withstand and recover from changes.
Stability
Organisms process about what percent of the available energy from the prevous trophic level?
10%
Tortoises, diamondback rattlesnakes, and kangaroo rats are common animals found in this biome.
Deserts
A bird using a tree as a nesting site highlights what special relationship?
Commensalism
This is the longest coral reef coming in at 1400 miles.
Great Barrier Reef
Any factor outside of an organism's tolerance range becomes a ___; ultimately threatening their survival.
Limiting Factor
True or false: in ocean and lake ecosystems, the primary producers have less biomass than the primary consumers.
True
What is the average salinity of a marine ecosystem?
3.5%
A tickbird perched on the backs and heads of a rhino highlights what special relationship?
Mutualism
The basic unit of ecology.
Ecosystem
In a stable ecosystem, the combination of abiotic and biotic factors forms a ___; meaning although factors are always changing, the ecosystem as a whole remains the same.
Dynamic Equilibrium
Plants capture and store what percent of the solar energy that falls on their green leaves and stems?
1%
A special form of grasslands NOT found in temperate regions but instead are locared in the tropics are called __.
Savannas
___ is a relationship in which grazing animals feed on plants by cropping portions of the plant without killing it.
Herbivory
___ is defined as a close relationship between two different species over a period of time.
Symbiosis