Food Chains & Food Webs (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define food chain.
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Cards in this collection (15)
Define food chain.
A food chain shows the linear flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem.
What is the source of energy in a food chain?
The source of energy in a food chain is light energy from the Sun.
Define food web.
A food web is a model of interlocking food chains that shows the complex flow of energy and nutrients between multiple organisms.
True or False?
The arrows in a food chain show who eats whom.
False.
The arrows show the direction of energy flow and the transfer of biomass.
Why are food webs more realistic than food chains?
Food webs are more realistic because consumers rarely feed on just one type of food source.
Define interdependence.
Interdependence is when each species in a community depends on other species for food, shelter, pollination, or seed dispersal, so removing one species can affect the whole community.
A community is one where all the species and environmental factors are in balance, so population sizes remain fairly constant.
A stable community is one where all the species and environmental factors are in balance, so population sizes remain fairly constant.
In a food web, how does a decrease in one prey species affect a consumer that also eats other prey?
The consumer population decreases only slightly, because it has another food source to rely on.
In a food web, what happens to a producer population if one of the species feeding on it decreases?
The producer population would increase, because fewer organisms are now feeding on it.
What do feedback loops in food webs describe?
Feedback loops describe how changes in one part of a food web can affect other parts, which is critical for understanding how ecosystems respond to disturbances.
Define positive feedback loop.
A positive feedback loop amplifies changes in the food web.
Negative feedback loops the food web by counteracting changes.
Negative feedback loops stabilize the food web by counteracting changes.
How can an overpopulation of herbivores act as a positive feedback loop?
An overpopulation of herbivores can lead to overgrazing, which reduces plant availability and destabilizes the ecosystem.
True or False?
A fall in prey numbers that limits predator numbers, allowing the prey to recover, is a positive feedback loop.
False.
This is a negative feedback loop, because limiting predator numbers allows the prey population to recover over time.
What can happen if a top predator such as wolves is removed from a forest?
Removing a top predator such as wolves can lead to an overpopulation of herbivores, which may cause vegetation depletion.
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