The Competitive Exclusion Principle states that two species cannot occupy the same ___ in a habitat without competition.

Niche

True or False: Ecosystems are static and do not change over time.

False. Ecosystems are dynamic and continuously change due to ecological succession and other factors.

What is the significance of the Ecological Pyramid in understanding energy flow in ecosystems?

The Ecological Pyramid shows energy flow.

• Visualizes energy distribution.

• Highlights trophic level dynamics.

• Demonstrates energy loss trends.

Fill in the blank: The Carbon Cycle is significantly impacted by ___ activities, which increase atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Human

Describe the difference between primary and secondary succession.

Primary vs. Secondary Succession

• Primary starts without soil.

• Secondary occurs with soil present.

• Both are ecological recovery processes.

True or False: Nutrient cycling in ecosystems is a linear process.

False. Nutrient cycling is a cyclical process, allowing for the continuous movement of nutrients within ecosystems.

Fill in the blank: The abiotic components of an ecosystem include factors like ___ and ___, which affect living organisms.

Sunlight and temperature

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and maintaining soil fertility.

Fill in the blank: Ecosystem productivity is influenced by the availability of ___ and the efficiency of plants in converting it into chemical energy.

Solar radiation

What is meant by the term 'niche' in an ecological context?

A niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.

Fill in the blank: The process of ___ involves the gradual replacement of one community by another in an ecosystem.

Ecological succession

Explain the function of producers in an ecosystem.

Producers, mainly green plants, convert inorganic materials into organic compounds through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

True or False: Energy is completely conserved as it moves through trophic levels in an ecosystem.

False. Energy is lost as heat at each trophic level, leading to a decrease in the amount of energy available to higher levels.

What distinguishes manmade ecosystems from natural ecosystems?

Manmade ecosystems differ from natural ones.

• Human intervention is key.

• Natural ecosystems evolve independently.

• Manmade systems require management.

Fill in the blank: The process by which nitrogen is converted into a usable form for plants is called ___.

Nitrogen fixation

How do abiotic factors influence the habitat of a species?

Abiotic factors shape species habitats.

• Temperature affects metabolic rates.

• Soil type influences plant growth.

• Water availability determines survival.

Fill in the blank: The total amount of organic matter produced by photosynthesis in an ecosystem is referred to as ___ primary productivity.

Gross