Ecosystem Basics
What is the main source of energy for most ecosystems?
the sun
⭐What is it called when one organism hunts another?⭐
predation
⭐In what direction does energy flow in a food chain?⭐
sun -> producers -> consumers -> decomposers
What type of energy is energy of motion?
kinetic energy
What is the basic unit of life?
cell
What is an organism that makes its own food called?
autotroph
What is it called when two organisms compete for the same recource?
competition
What happens to energy as it moves up a food chain?
it decreases
What is a sign of a chemical change?
(+200 points for every one you name, 5 total for a potential 1000 points)
color change, gas production, light production, temperature change, precipitate formation
⭐What organelle controls what enters and exits the cell?⭐
cell membrane
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
they break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients
⭐What type of relationship benefits both organisms?⭐
mutualism
What would happen if producers were removed from a food chain?
the food chain would collapse
What property determines whether something floats or sinks?
density
double points if you can find the density of an object with a volume of 10 mL and a mass of 20 g
What is the difference between unicellular organisms and multicellular organisms?
one cell vs many cells
⭐What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?⭐
biotic = living, abiotic = nonliving
What type of relationship benefits one organism and harms the other?
parasitism
Why do top predators receive less energy than organisms below them?
⭐What is the difference between physical and chemical changes?⭐
Chemical changes from new substances; physical changes do not
⭐Why is variation important for survival?⭐
it allows organisms to adapt as the environment changes
Explain what would MOST likely happen to an ecosystem if decomposers were removed.
dead matter would build up, nutrients wouldn't recycle, and the ecosystem would eventually collapse
Explain how competition for limited resources can affect a population.
some organisms may not survive or reproduce, reducing population size
Explain why food chains usually have only a few levels.
because energy decreases at each level, there isn't enough to support many levels
Explain how particle motion differs between solids, liquids, and gases.
solids = tightly packed/slow
liquids = flow past each other/medium speed
gases = far apart/fast
Cell parts are shaped to perform specific jobs that keep the cell alive.