Ch4 Key Terms
What do we call the non-living parts of an environment, like water and air?
Abiotic elements
What do we call organisms that must eat other organisms to get energy?
Consumers
What do we call the variety of living things in an ecosystem?
Biodiversity
Why do organisms need resources like food and water?
To Survive
Which organisms begin the flow of energy in food webs?
Producers
What term describes organisms that can reproduce together and have similar traits?
Species
What type of consumer eats only animals?
Carnivores
What term describes species that naturally belong in an ecosystem?
Native species
What happens when resources are limited?
Competition increases
Why is the Sun important to ecosystems?
It provides energy for photosynthesis
What is a group of different populations living in the same place called?
Community
What kind of organism feeds on dead animals?
Scavenger
What do we call the complete disappearance of a species?
Extinction
What role does mutualism play in ecosystems?
Both species benefit
How do humans cause habitat loss?
By building cities, farming, mining, or deforestation
What is the term for all living and non-living things interacting together?
Ecosystem
What do we call organisms that break down dead plants and animals?
Decomposers
Which type of succession happens after fires or floods?
Secondary succession
How are populations affected by predator-prey relationships?
They help keep populations balanced
How does pollution affect ecosystems?
It harms organisms and reduces biodiversity
What relationship occurs when one organism hunts and eats another?
Predation
What is a simple, straight-line path showing how energy moves?
Food chain
Why are invasive species dangerous?
They outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystems
Why are ecosystems considered systems?
Because all parts interact and affect one another
Why should humans protect biodiversity?
Healthy ecosystems support life and are more stable