General Science

Study Guide

WHAT IS A FOOD WEB?

a network of many connected food chains that shows how energy moves through an entire ecosystem.

WHAT IS A FOOD CHAIN?

sequence that shows how energy passes from one living thing to another in an ecosystem

Describe how energy flows through an ecosystem:

Energy starts from the sun, moves to producers, then to consumers, and finally to decomposers.

Explain what a balanced ecosystem means:

where all living and non-living components interact in harmony, with stable populations and energy flow.

How do humans affect ecosystems?

pollution, deforestation, and overfishing, but can also help through conservation and recycling.

WHAT IS A BIOTIC FACTOR?

Biotic factors are living components like plants and animals

WHAT IS ABIOTIC FACTOR?

Is a non-living part of an ecosystem that affects the living organisms in it.

Describe how biotic and abiotic factors interact within an ecosystem:

Biotic factors (living organisms) interact with abiotic factors (non-living components like water, soil, and climate) to shape ecosystems. For example, plants (biotic) rely on sunlight (abiotic) for photosynthesis

How do different populations interact to form a community within an ecosystem?

Populations of different species interact within an ecosystem to form a community.

How are ecosystems organized from individual organisms to the biosphere?

Ecosystems are organized from individual organisms to the biosphere. The order is: Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere

WHAT IS AN ORGANISM?

Is a single living thing.

WHAT IS A POPULATION?

Is a group of the same kind of organisms living in the same area.

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY?

Is all the different populations that live together in one area.

WHAT IS AN ECOSYSTEM?

A community of living and non-living things interacting together.

How do human activities impact biodiversity and ecosystems?

like deforestation, pollution, and climate change contribute to the loss of biodiversity by destroying habitats and altering ecosystems. For example, pollution can degrade water quality, harming aquatic life.

What is the main source of energy for almost all ecosystems?

The sun

WHAT A PRODUCER?

Is a living thing that makes its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through a process called photosynthesis.

Why are decomposers important in an ecosystem?

They break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil, helping new plants grow.

WHAT IS A CONSUMER?

Is a living thing that cannot make its own food — it must eat other plants or animals to get energy.

What would happen if there were no decomposers in an ecosystem?

Dead plants and animals would accumulate, and nutrients would not return to the soil.