Carrying Capacity
This is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain.
Carrying Capacity
This type of species is not native to an ecosystem and can cause harm.
Invasive species.
This is how the populations of predator and prey species are related.
The control each other's population size.
This is a community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
An ecosystem.
This term refers to the variety of life in an ecosystem.
Biodiversity.
This is what would likely happen to the carrying capacity of a predator if an invasive species that preys on the dominant herbivore is introduced.
It would decrease.
This is how the introduction of an invasive species that preys on hare would affect the lynx population.
It would decrease the population size of the lynx.
This is the relationship where two organisms benefit from their interaction.
Organisms that make their own food are called this.
Producers.
Explain how a high level of biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience.
Variety in an ecosystem protects the ecosystem from stressors like land use change, invasive species, etc.
Explain why a population might experience a “boom” or rapid growth.
Lots of resources (extra prey, extra space, extra water, etc.)
Describe the impact an invasive species would have on the native species in an ecosystem.
It would increase competition between species and use up resources.
Explain the importance of the predator/prey relationship in an ecosystem.
If you remove the predator, they prey species will overpopulate and damage the ecosystem.
This trophic level is composed of herbivores, which eat producers.
Trophic Level 2.
What types of ecosystems would be more resistant to natural disruptions?
Ecosystems with high biodiversity.
Explain how the introduction of a new predator could impact the carrying capacity of an existing prey species.
It would decrease the carrying capacity of the native predator and decrease the carrying capacity of the prey species.
Name one invasive species that are in our area.
Starlings
Autumn Olives
Hogweed
Canada Thistle
Explain the difference between a food chain and a food web.
A food chain shows one relationship pathway. A food web shows ALL the relationships in an ecosystem.
Plants
Animals
Name two ways humans negatively impact biodiversity.
Land Use Change
Invasive Species Introduction
Habitat Fragmentation
Overexploitation
Suppose a new species is introduced into an environment and has an unlimited supply of food and other resources. What will likely happen to that species’ population?
It would increase.
Explain how climate change can lead to the introduction of invasive species.
Habitat Migration - animals can now survive in new habitats because they are warmer and don't have harsh winters.
Explain what happens if a keystone species is removed from the ecosystem.
Ecosystem collapse.
Carnivores eat ONLY this types of food.
Other animals.
Where is the most biodiverse area on the planet?
The Amazon rainforest.