SEV 1a
a large geographical area characterized by specific climate conditions and particular types of plants and animals.
What is the definition of a biome?
Producers are organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, such as plants and algae.
What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?
What is an abiotic factor? Give two examples.
An abiotic factor is a non-living component of an ecosystem; examples include sunlight and temperature.
What is the significance of the water cycle in an ecosystem?
The water cycle is significant because it distributes freshwater, supports life, and regulates climate.
Define "sustainability."
Sustainability is the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Name three types of biomes found on Earth.
desert, rainforest, tundra
Define the term "food web."
A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow.
How do biotic factors influence an ecosystem?
Biotic factors, such as competition and predation, influence population dynamics and community structure within an ecosystem.
Describe the carbon cycle and its importance.
The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere, and is vital for life processes.
What are renewable resources? Give two examples.
Renewable resources are resources that can be replenished naturally, such as solar energy and wind power.
Describe how climate affects the types of organisms found in a biome.
Climate affects organisms in a biome by determining the temperature, precipitation, and seasonal changes, which influence species adaptation and survival.
How do energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem?
Energy flows through an ecosystem from producers to consumers and decomposers, while nutrients are recycled through various biogeochemical cycles.
Explain the concept of carrying capacity.
Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.
Explain how nitrogen cycles through the environment.
Nitrogen cycles through the environment via processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, essential for plant growth.
How do human activities affect natural resources?
Human activities can deplete natural resources through overconsumption, pollution, and habitat destruction.
Explain the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem.
Biodiversity is important because it contributes to ecosystem resilience, stability, and the provision of ecosystem services.
Describe the relationship between predators and prey.
Predators regulate prey populations, and this relationship maintains balance in ecosystems.
Discuss the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.
Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and alter habitats.
Discuss the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling.
Decomposers break down organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and facilitating nutrient cycling.
Explain the concept of ecological footprint.
Ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of an individual or community based on resource consumption and waste production.
How do human activities impact biomes and ecosystems?
Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and urbanization can lead to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity in biomes.
Analyze the effects of removing a top predator from an ecosystem.
Removing a top predator can lead to an overpopulation of prey species, which may result in overgrazing and degradation of vegetation.
Evaluate how climate change alters abiotic factors in an ecosystem.
Climate change can affect abiotic factors like temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to shifts in ecosystems and species distributions.
Compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while respiration converts glucose back into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.
Evaluate strategies for promoting sustainability in communities.
Strategies for promoting sustainability include conservation efforts, renewable energy use, and reducing waste.