Exam Review Questions Unit 2/PPT 5 – Relating PS to a Food Web

These flashcards cover key concepts, vocabulary, and important information from the lecture regarding food webs, ecosystems, and specific biomes.

Food Chain

A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Food Web

A complex network of feeding relationships between various organisms in an ecosystem.

Difference between food chain and food web

A food chain is a linear pathway of energy transfer while a food web consists of multiple interconnected food chains.

Main feature tracked by a food chain or food web

Energy flow within an ecosystem.

Boreal Forest Biome

A forest biome characterized by coniferous trees, found in high northern latitudes.

Three features of the boreal forest biome

Coniferous trees, cold climate, nutrient-poor soil.

Trophic level of the snowshoe hare

Primary consumers.

Benefit of snowshoe hare's color change in winter

Camouflage from predators in a snowy environment.

Natural selection and coat color change

Yes, the coat color change was likely selected as an advantage by natural selection.

Herbivory

The act of eating plants; snowshoe hares are herbivores because they primarily consume plant material.

Energy loss after a snowshoe hare eats

Energy is lost through metabolic processes and as heat after consumption.

Main predator of snowshoe hares

Canadian lynx.

Predatory behavior of Canadian lynx

Canadian lynx are predators because they hunt and consume snowshoe hares.

Trophic level of Canadian lynx

Secondary consumers.

Adaptations of the snowshoe hare

Large feet for movement in snow, seasonal color change for camouflage, ability to reproduce quickly.

Adaptations of the Canadian lynx

Sharp retractable claws for gripping, excellent eyesight, thicker fur for insulation.

Fewer lynx than snowshoe hares

Lynx have fewer numbers due to being higher up in the food chain with less energy available.

Trophic level that starts existence of a food chain

Producers, as they harness carbon and energy from sunlight.

Source of human energy for physical activity

Energy ultimately comes from food, which is derived from plants or animals.