Ecosystem Dynamics and Species Interactions

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding ecosystems, species interactions, energy flow, and biodiversity, preparing for the upcoming exam.

What is the primary reason for high species richness on certain islands?

High proximity to the mainland and larger island size allow for easier colonization and more available resources.

What are foundation species?

Foundation species are primary producers like plants or coral that create and maintain habitats for other organisms.

What role do dominant species play in an ecosystem?

Dominant species are the most abundant in an ecosystem and can outcompete others for resources.

What is a keystone species?

A keystone species is crucial for maintaining the structure of an ecological community; for example, sea otters maintain kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations.

What is the intermediate disturbance hypothesis?

It suggests that moderate levels of disturbance foster greater biodiversity than high or low levels of disturbance.

Can you differentiate between primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession begins on bare rock after a disturbance like a volcanic eruption, whereas secondary succession begins in area where soil is still present after disturbances like fire.

How do top down and bottom up controls affect ecosystems?

Top down control refers to impacts on an ecosystem from predators affecting prey populations, while bottom up control involves nutrient availability influencing producer populations.

What is biomagnification?

Biomagnification is the increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

What happens during ecosystem dynamics?

Ecosystem dynamics refer to the ongoing changes in ecosystem composition, interactions, and energy flow within ecological communities.

What are the three main types of ecosystems?

Marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.

What are the potential consequences of invasive species?

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, lead to habitat degradation, and even cause local extinctions.

What is the role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

Detritivores break down decomposing organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycling and energy flow in food webs.

How does energy transfer through trophic levels?

Energy transfer through trophic levels is inefficient, with only about 10% of the energy being passed from one level to the next.

What is a food web?

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms, illustrating how they are interconnected in an ecosystem.

What are trophic cascades?

Trophic cascades occur when a change in one species affects multiple levels of the food chain and alters community structure.

What factors influence the types of species found in different ecosystems?

Factors like latitude, rainfall, elevation, and sunlight availability influence the types of species present in an ecosystem.

What is ecosystem management?

Ecosystem management involves strategies to maintain or restore natural ecosystems, considering historical conditions and current needs.

What are the three methods of energy acquisition in ecosystems?

Photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and consumption of other living organisms.

What is the difference between food chains and food webs?

A food chain is a linear path of energy flow, while a food web is a complex network of interactions among species.

What are the trophic levels in a food chain?

Trophic levels include primary producers, primary consumers (herbivores), and secondary consumers (carnivores).