Ecosystem Basics
A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting together.
Ecosystem?
Producers in the food chain
grass, plants, trees
It helps ecosystems remain stable and resilient.
Biodiversity
The purposeful clearing of forested land.
An organism that eats other organisms for energy
Consumer
The primary source of energy for most ecosystems.
Sunlight
The difference between a food chain and a food web.
A food chain shows one path of energy flow, while a food web shows multiple interconnected paths.
Habitat A has more species and individuals than Habitat B. Which habitat has greater biodiversity?
Habitat A
True or False: Habitat loss is a major threat to biodiversity.
True
A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of interbreeding.
Species
True or false: All species in an ecosystem have the same role.
False
Identify the producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, & tertiary consumer
Producer: Green Plant
Primary: Goat, mouse, rabbit
Secondary: Jackal, wildcat, owl, snake
Tertiary: Kite, Lion
List three ways humans can positively impact ecosystems.
Examples: Reforestation, reducing pollution, and protecting endangered species.
Describe how urbanization affects local wildlife populations and give two specific examples.
Urbanization can lead to habitat fragmentation, reduced food sources, and increased human-wildlife conflict. Examples include the decline of bird populations due to loss of nesting sites and increased road mortality for animals trying to cross roads.
The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.
Niche
The difference between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem and provide an example of each.
Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals. Abiotic factors are the non-living components, such as water, sunlight, and soil. Example: Trees (biotic) and sunlight (abiotic).
True or False: A food web shows only one possible path of energy flow.
False
A non-native organism that spreads rapidly in a new environment. It can reduce biodiversity by outcompeting native species, altering habitats, and disrupting ecosystems.
Invasive species
True or False: Overfishing can lead to the decline of fish populations and affect the entire food web.
True
An organism that breaks down dead organisms and waste, recycling nutrients.
Decomposer
The natural home or environment of an organism. Example: Frogs live in a wetland habitat.
Habitat
They create their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food web, providing energy to other organisms.
Producers
What are the three primary threats to biodiversity?
Habitat loss, climate change, and pollution
Aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It can balance human needs with ecosystem protection by promoting practices that conserve resources, reduce waste, and protect habitats while allowing for economic growth and development.
Sustainable development
A type of symbiosis where both species benefit.
Mutualism