flash cards for final

What is a feedback loop in ecology?

A feedback loop is a process where the output of a system affects its input, creating a cycle. For example, in a predator-prey relationship, if prey numbers increase, predator numbers may also increase due to more food available.

What does energy flow mean in an ecosystem?

Energy flow refers to how energy moves through an ecosystem. It starts with the sun, which provides energy to plants. Then, animals eat plants, and the energy continues to move up the food chain.

What are the basic units of matter?

The basic units of matter are atoms. Atoms combine to form molecules, which make up everything around us.

What is the role of genetics in living organisms?

Genetics is the study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes. Genes determine characteristics like eye color or height.

What is reproduction?

Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce new individuals. It can be sexual (involving two parents) or asexual (involving one parent).

How does evolution occur?

Evolution occurs when populations of organisms change over time through processes like natural selection, where individuals better suited to their environment survive and reproduce.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular ecosystem or on the entire planet. It includes the diversity of species, genetic variation, and the variety of ecosystems.

What is the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment. It involves processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.

What is natural selection?

Natural selection is a process in evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

What are the main ideas of cell theory?

Cell theory states that: 1. All living things are made of cells. 2. Cells are the basic units of structure and function in living organisms. 3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

What types of ecological relationships exist in ecosystems?

Ecological relationships include: 1. Mutualism - both species benefit. 2. Commensalism - one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. 3. Parasitism - one species benefits at the expense of the other. 4. Competition - both species are harmed as they compete for resources.