Ecosystem Dynamics - Study Guide

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts about ecosystem dynamics, including definitions and important terms.

An ecosystem consists of all the interacting biotic and __ factors in a specific area at a specific time.

abiotic

The __ is a group of organisms that can interbreed.

species

Members of the same species in one area are referred to as a __.

population

A __ includes different populations and abiotic factors.

community

The physical environment where organisms live is known as their __.

habitat

Organisms that produce their own food using sunlight are called __.

producers (autotrophs)

__ are organisms that eat other organisms.

Consumers (heterotrophs)

Animals that are primary consumers include __.

herbivores

Carnivores that eat herbivores are known as __ consumers.

secondary

The top predators in an ecosystem are classified as __ consumers.

quaternary

Organisms that break down dead material at the molecular level are called __.

decomposers

__ eat dead material in chunks, like worms.

Detritivores

The 1st Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can't be created or destroyed, only __.

changed

As you move up trophic levels, energy __.

decreases

Only about __% of energy transfers to the next level in an energy pyramid.

10

A is a single path of energy, while a food is interconnected food chains.

food chain, web

The variety of life in all forms, levels, and combinations is referred to as __.

biodiversity

Species diversity refers to the number and __ of species.

balance

Human actions that impact ecosystems include habitat destruction, __, and pollution.

overhunting/fishing

The __ of the Commons refers to the overuse of shared resources for short-term gain.

tragedy