Biology EOC Ecology Review

Comprehensive practice questions covering ecology concepts, biological relationships, and characteristics of life for EOC exam preparation.

What percentage of the Biology EOC (End of Course) exam is comprised of ecology?

$$30\%$$

Define a food chain according to the transcript.

The path of energy that produces the consumer.

What is each level in a food chain called?

A trophic level.

During energy transfer in a food chain, approximately what percentage of energy is passed to the next level?

$$10\%$$

What happens to the $90\%$ of energy that is not transferred to the next trophic level?

It is used for personal metabolism and development.

What is the definition of a food web?

An interconnected food chain that shows all possible feeding relationships at a trophic level in a community.

In ecological pyramids, what does the pyramid of energy represent?

Each level represents the energy available.

In ecological pyramids, what does the pyramid of biomass represent?

Each level represents the amount of matter the level above needs to consume.

In ecological pyramids, what does the pyramid of numbers represent?

Each level represents the numbers of organisms consumed by the level above.

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Biotic factors are living (e.g., plants, animals, bacteria), and abiotic factors are not living (e.g., climate, light, soil, water).

What is a defining characteristic of bacteria mentioned in the notes?

Bacteria is a living prokaryotic organism that has no nucleus.

What is natural selection?

Survival of the fittest, where environmental factors determine which organisms are better able to survive and not be seen by prey.

What is a limiting factor?

An abiotic or biotic factor that stops an organism from doing what it needs to do.

Define biodiversity.

The amount of different life in an area.

What is the definition of evolution?

How species change over time.

Contrast endangered species and extinction.

Endangered species have very few members left (e.g., only 10 bears), while extinction means the species is completely gone.

What is carrying capacity?

The number of animals that an environment can support.

List four characteristics of living things mentioned in the transcript.

Requires food and energy, maintains homeostasis, responds to stimuli, grows and develops, reproduces, passes genetic information, composed of cells, and composed of organic based compounds.

Name the four organic based compounds that compose living things.

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.