Ecological factors
Define ecosystem
An ecosystem is a place where plants, animals, and people interact with each other and the environment
Define a food chain
a hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food
Define carnivores and give 2 examples
is an animal that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter. EX: dog, fox, crocodile, shark, etc
the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time
what are the characteristic features of bacteria (prokaryotes)?
Unicellular, can form colonies
Some of them can move, some not
Heterotrophs, autotrophs
No nucleus
Some perform very useful functions in human life
Give a list of 5 ecosystems
Forest, Desert, Pond, Grassland, Ocean
Define a food web
is complex representation of several interconnected food chains.
Define omnivores and give 2 examples
an animal that is naturally able to eat both plants and meat. EX: bear, racoon, etc
describe "primary succession"
Happens in places where no life existed before
Starts with pioneer species like lichens, mosses, or bacteria that can survive harsh conditions.
Over time, soil forms → small plants grow → shrubs → trees → full ecosystem.
what are the characteristic features of protists?
Unicellular or multicellular
Some can move
Nucleus and other organelles are present
Autotrophs, heterotrophs
Name the ecosystem described: Trees give shade and food. Animals like deer, birds, and bears live there. Lots of rain helps plants grow
🌱 Grass → 🐇 Rabbit → 🦊 Fox - is an example of ???
food chain
Define herbivores and give 2 example organisms
an animal that mainly eats plants. Ex: grasshopper, deer, koalas, etc
describe "secondary succession"
Happens in places where an ecosystem was destroyed or disturbed, but soil is already present.
Grows back faster than primary succession because seeds, roots, and nutrients are still in the ground.
what are the characteristic features of fungi?
Multicellular, Unicellular
Nucleus and other organelles are present
Cell wall made of chitin
Cannot move
Give 3 examples of biotic factors
Animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, etc
"One animal can eat several kinds of food, and one plant/animal can be food for many others" - is a description of ???
Food web
Define producers and give 2 examples
Organism which produces its own food by using energy from the sun. Ex: grass, dandelion, etc
"regrowth of a forest after a fire" - is an example of ?
secondary succession
Multicellular, Unicellular
Nucleus and other organelles are present
Some can move
Cell wall made of cellulose
Autotrophs
Give 3 examples of abiotic factors
Humidity, temperature, acidity, etc
What is the difference between the food chain and the wood web?
A food chain is simple and straight.
A food web is complex and realistic, because it shows how organisms are linked in many ways in an ecosystem.
Define decomposers and give 2 examples
organisms that break down dead organisms and take the nutrients from the dead matter. EX: fungi and bacteria
"plants growing on fresh lava after a volcanic eruption" - is an example of ???
primary succession
what are the characteristic features of animals?
Multicellular
Nucleus and other organelles are present
No cell wall
Can move
Heterotrophic