Ecosystems
What is an ecosystem?
A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Which biome is characterized by very low temperatures and permafrost?
Tundra
What does biodiversity refer to?
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
What is deforestation and how does it impact biodiversity?
Deforestation is the clearing of forests, which leads to habitat loss and a decrease in biodiversity.
What is primary succession?
The series of changes that occur in an area where no soil or organisms previously existed.
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Biotic (living) factors and abiotic (non-living) factors.
What type of biome has the highest biodiversity and is found near the equator?
Tropical rainforest
Why is genetic diversity important for species survival?
It allows species to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.
How does pollution affect ecosystems?
Pollution can harm or kill organisms, disrupt food chains, and degrade habitats.
What is secondary succession?
The series of changes that occur in an area where an ecosystem has been disturbed but soil and organisms still exist.
Give an example of a producer in an ecosystem.
Plants (such as trees, grasses, algae).
Which biome is known for its wide open spaces, few trees, and is often used for agriculture?
Grassland
What is an endemic species?
A species that is found in only one specific geographic location and nowhere else.
What is an invasive species?
A non-native species that spreads rapidly and causes harm to native species and ecosystems.
Give an example of a disturbance that could lead to secondary succession.
Forest fire, flood, human activities like farming.
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
What are the main characteristics of a desert biome?
Low rainfall, extreme temperatures, sparse vegetation.
How does high biodiversity benefit an ecosystem?
It increases resilience against environmental changes and disruptions.
A non-native species that spreads rapidly and causes harm to native species and ecosystems.
Climate change can alter temperature and precipitation patterns, shifting the distribution of biomes.
What is a climax community?
A stable, mature community that undergoes little or no change in species over time.
What is a food web?
A complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem.
Which biome has coniferous trees and is known for its long, cold winters and short, mild summers?
Taiga (or boreal forest)
What is the term for the variety of ecosystems within a larger region?
Ecosystem diversity
What is sustainable development?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
How does succession contribute to ecosystem recovery?
Succession allows ecosystems to gradually rebuild and restore biodiversity after a disturbance.