Ecosystem Dynamics and Energy Flow Quiz

A food chain refers to the transfer of food energy from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

Ecology specifically refers to the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment, including other organisms and non-living elements. It is not related to mathematics, archaeology, or dermatology.

Producers are organisms that create their own food using sunlight or chemicals. They are at the beginning of the food chain and serve as the foundation for the ecosystem.

In the context of ecology, a consumer refers to a plant or animal that feeds on other organisms to obtain food for energy. It is an essential part of the food chain in ecosystems.

Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in an ecosystem by breaking down dead matter.

Phytoplankton are essential microscopic organisms in aquatic ecosystems that play a crucial role in the food chain by producing their own food through photosynthesis, serving as the primary food source for many aquatic animals.

Zooplankton are small organisms that drift in water and primarily feed on other organisms. They are an essential part of oceanic food chains.

A scavenger refers to an animal that feeds on dead organisms, especially a carnivorous animal that consumes dead animals.

A food web is a network of interrelated food chains that show the flow of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem, involving producers, consumers, and decomposers. It is a key concept in ecology and helps illustrate the relationships between different organisms in a community.

Nutrients are substances that provide energy or building material for the survival and growth of living organisms, not water, sunlight, minerals for industrial purposes, or toxins that harm living organisms.