Introduction to Ecosystems - AP Environmental Science
- Identify the process of energy transfer in ecosystems.
- Energy flows through food chains via consumption. Energy decreases at each successive trophic level.
- Identify the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling.
- Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Essential for maintaining ecosystem productivity.
- Define carrying capacity.
- The maximum population size an environment can sustain. Determined by available resources and environmental conditions.
- What is a biome?
- A large community of plants and animals that occupies a distinct region. Characterized by climate, flora, and fauna patterns.
- What is ecological efficiency?
- The efficiency with which energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Usually ranges from 5-20% between trophic levels.
- Define biomass.
- The total mass of organisms in a given area or volume. Measured in grams per square meter or similar units.
- Define invasive species.
- Non-native species that spread rapidly and harm native species and ecosystems. Often lack natural predators in new environments.
- What is a limiting factor?
- A factor that restricts the size of a population. Can be density-dependent or density-independent.
- What is an indicator species?
- A species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition. Used to monitor ecosystem health and changes.
- What is a biotic factor?
- A living component of an ecosystem. Includes plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
- What are primary consumers?
- Herbivores that feed on producers. First-level consumers in the energy transfer chain.
- Identify an example of a keystone species.
- Sea otters are a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems. They control sea urchin populations, protecting kelp.
- Define parasitism.
- A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another. Host is harmed while parasite benefits.
- What is commensalism?
- A relationship where one species benefits and the other is unaffected. Like barnacles on whales or birds on cattle.
- Define symbiosis.
- An interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association. Can be mutualistic, parasitic, or commensalistic.
- What is niche differentiation?
- The process by which competing species use the environment differently to coexist. Reduces competition and allows species coexistence.
- What is the role of water in ecosystems?
- Water is essential for life, acting as a solvent and medium for chemical reactions. Supports all biological processes and nutrient cycling.
- What is primary succession?
- Succession that occurs on surfaces where no soil exists. Starts with pioneer species like lichens and mosses.
- What is the 10% rule in energy transfer?
- Only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Most energy is lost as heat during transfer.
- Define ecological succession.
- The process of change in the species structure of an ecosystem over time. Can be primary or secondary depending on starting conditions.
- What is an ecosystem?
- A community of living organisms interacting with their environment. Includes both biotic and abiotic components working together.
- What is an apex predator?
- A predator at the top of a food chain, with no natural predators. Controls prey populations and ecosystem structure.
- What is a food web?
- A complex network of feeding relationships in an ecosystem. More complex than simple linear food chains.
- Define competitive exclusion principle.
- No two species can occupy the same niche in the same environment for long. One species outcompetes the other for resources.
- What is the role of detritivores in an ecosystem?
- Detritivores consume decomposing organic matter. Help break down organic matter into smaller particles.
- Define habitat.
- The natural home or environment of an organism. Provides shelter, food, and breeding sites.
- Define a keystone species.
- A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend. Their removal causes significant ecosystem changes.
- What is an ecological niche?
- The role and position a species has in its environment. Includes how an organism obtains resources and interacts.
- What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?
- The Sun. Solar radiation provides energy for photosynthesis.
- Define biodiversity.
- The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Measured at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
- Identify the role of producers in an ecosystem.
- Producers convert solar energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis. Forms the base of all food chains and webs.
- What is secondary succession?
- Succession following a disturbance that destroys a community without destroying the soil. Occurs after events like fires or storms.
- What is a food chain?
- A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass. Shows direct feeding relationships between organisms.
- Identify the main components of an ecosystem.
- Biotic and abiotic factors. Living and non-living elements interact in ecosystems.
- What are decomposers?
- Organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms. Include bacteria, fungi, and some invertebrates.
- What is an ecological footprint?
- The impact of a person or community on the environment, measured as land required to sustain their use of natural resources. Measures human demand on Earth's natural resources.
- State the Law of Conservation of Energy.
- Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. First law of thermodynamics applied to ecosystems.
- What is an abiotic factor?
- A non-living component of an ecosystem. Includes temperature, water, sunlight, and soil.
- Define mutualism.
- A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. Examples include bees and flowering plants.
- Define a trophic level.
- The position an organism occupies in a food chain. Levels include producers, primary, secondary consumers, etc.