Succession
What is succession?
A succession is the process of change in the species structure of an community over time.
What is the primary international agreement that aims to protect endangered species?
What is the primary source of energy for nearly all food Chains?
The sun
What type of camouflage involves blending in with the background environment?
Background matching
What is the term for a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit?
What is a pioneer species?
The first organism to colonize a barren environment.
Which habitat type is particularly vulnerable to species endangerment due to its high biodiversity and sensitivity density?
Tropical rainforests are particularly vulnerable.
What term describes organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis?
Producers or autotrophs
What is the disruptive coloration, and how does it aid in camouflage?
Disruptive coloration involves having bold patterns that break up an organism's outline, making it harder to detect.
In a parasitic relationship, which organism benefits and which is harmed?
The parasite benefits, and the host is harmed
What is a climax community?
A stable, mature community.
What term describes a species that, if protected, can lead to the protection of many other species in its ecosystem?
A keystone species
What role do decomposers play in the food chain?
Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
What type of camouflage involves resembling a non-edible or dangerous object?
Masquerade
What is commensalism?
Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is neither harmed nor helped.
How does succession contribute to biodiversity?
It increases by creating a variety of habitats and niches from different species.
What human activity is the leading cause of habitat loss for endangered species?
Agriculture is the leading cause
What is the term for an animal that eats both plants and animals?
An omnivore
What is countershading, and why is it effective in aquatic environments?
Countershading is when an animal is darker on top and lighter on the bottom, which helps to blend in when viewed from above or below in the water.
Describe an example of mutualism between plants and animals?
Pollination, where animals like bees get food and plants get help with reproductions.
What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession begins on newly exposed surfaces. Secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance like fire or logging cleared out everything.
What is the role of captive breeding programs in the conversation of endangered species?
Captive breeding programs aim to increase population sizes for eventual reintroduction into the wild.
Why are food Chains typically limited to only a few trophic levels?
Energy is lost at each trophic level, limiting the length of the chain.
What role does motion camouflage play in predator-prey interactions?
Motion camouflage allows a moving organism to appear stationary to a viewer.
How do symbiotic relationships affect biodiversity in an ecosystem?
Symbiotic relationships can increase biodiversity by creating niches and dependencies between species.