How Good Is Your 7th Grade Ecology?

Explanation
Ernst Haeckel is credited with coining the term Ecology. He was a German biologist and philosopher who introduced the concept of ecology in the late 19th century. Haeckel defined ecology as the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment. His work laid the foundation for the field of ecology and greatly influenced the development of ecological theories and concepts.

Explanation
The term was first coined in the year 1866.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Community." In an ecosystem, a community refers to the populations of different species of plants and animals that live together and interact with each other. These populations rely on each other for survival and form a complex network of relationships within the ecosystem. The concept of a community emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of species within a specific habitat.

Explanation
An organism that uses the sun for making food is called a producer. Producers, such as plants, use a process called photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy-rich molecules, such as glucose. This ability to produce their own food sets them apart from consumers, decomposers, and herbivores, which rely on consuming other organisms for their energy and nutrients.

Explanation
Consumers are organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms. They are unable to produce their own food through photosynthesis or other means, so they rely on consuming other organisms for energy. Carnivores are a specific type of consumer that primarily eat other animals, while decomposers break down dead organic matter. Producers, on the other hand, are organisms that are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants.

Explanation
Herbivores are animals that primarily consume plants as their main source of food. This is because their digestive systems are adapted to break down and extract nutrients from plant material. They have specialized teeth and digestive enzymes that help them efficiently process plant matter. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that herbivores eat plants.

Explanation
Decomposers are organisms that break down organic material. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead plants and animals, as well as waste materials, into simpler substances. This process releases nutrients back into the environment, allowing them to be reused by other organisms. Examples of decomposers include bacteria, fungi, and certain types of insects. By breaking down organic material, decomposers help to maintain the balance of nutrients and energy flow within an ecosystem.

Explanation
Omnivores are organisms that have a diet consisting of both plants and meat. They are able to consume and digest both types of food sources. This allows them to obtain a wide range of nutrients and energy from different sources, making them adaptable to various environments. Examples of omnivores include humans, bears, and certain species of birds.

Explanation
Biotic refers to the living features in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. These living organisms play a crucial role in the functioning of the ecosystem, as they interact with each other and their environment. Biotic factors are essential for maintaining the balance and sustainability of the ecosystem.

Explanation
The water cycle is considered a main cycle in an ecosystem because it is essential for the survival and functioning of all living organisms. It involves the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and bodies of water through processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration. This cycle plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature, distributing nutrients, and maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Without the water cycle, life as we know it would not be possible.