Ecosystems and interactions

• What is the main topic discussed in the material?

  Ecology and material cycles
• How do organisms in ecosystems depend on each other?

  For survival and resources
• What do all organisms need to survive?

  Good neighbors
• What are the different levels of organization in ecosystems?

  1. Individual - A single organism
  2. Population - All organisms of one species in a habitat
  3. Community - Different species living in a habitat
  4. Ecosystem - A community of organisms and non-living conditions
• What is a habitat?

  The place where an organism lives
• What does a habitat contain for an organism?

  All the things it needs to survive
• How do organisms in a community depend on each other?

  For food, shelter, and reproduction
• What is interdependence in ecosystems?

  Organisms relying on each other for survival
• What can a change in one species' population affect?

  Other species in the same community
• What is mutualism in ecology?

  • A relationship between two organisms
  • Both benefit from the interaction
  • Example: Bees and flowering plants
• How do bees benefit from flowering plants?

  By obtaining nectar for food
• How do flowering plants benefit from bees?

  By having their pollen spread
• What is a parasitic relationship?

  One organism benefits at the other's expense
• How do parasites affect their hosts?

  They take resources from the host
• What is the difference between mutualism and parasitism?

  Mutualism benefits both; parasitism harms one
• How do ticks affect their mammal hosts?

  By feeding on their blood
• What is the impact of parasitism on ecosystems?

  It can reduce host populations
• What are the types of ecological relationships?

  1. Mutualism - Both benefit
  2. Commensalism - One benefits, one unaffected
  3. Parasitism - One benefits, one harmed
  4. Competition - Both harmed
• What is commensalism?

  One organism benefits, one is unaffected
• How does commensalism differ from mutualism?

  Only one benefits in commensalism
• What is the role of competition in ecosystems?

  It can limit resources for organisms
• How does competition affect species survival?

  It can lead to resource scarcity
• What can happen if one species outcompetes another?

  The weaker species may become extinct
• What are the consequences of interdependence in ecosystems?

  • Changes in one species affect others
  • Can lead to population fluctuations
  • Impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
• What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?

  It enhances ecosystem resilience
• How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem stability?

  By providing various species interactions
• What can threaten biodiversity?

  Habitat destruction and pollution
• What is a key factor in maintaining healthy ecosystems?

  High levels of biodiversity
• Why is it important to protect biodiversity?

  To ensure ecosystem health and resilience
• How can conservation efforts impact ecosystems?

  They can restore biodiversity and health
• What are the main threats to ecosystems?

  • Habitat destruction
  • Pollution
  • Climate change
  • Invasive species
• What is the impact of climate change on ecosystems?

  It alters habitats and species distributions
• How do invasive species affect native ecosystems?

  They can outcompete native species
• What is the role of conservation in maintaining ecosystems?

  To protect biodiversity and ecosystem functions
• What is the goal of sustainable practices?

  To maintain ecological balance
• How do sustainable practices benefit ecosystems?

  By preserving resources for future generations
• What can individuals do to support ecosystem health?

  Engage in conservation and sustainable practices
• What are the benefits of healthy ecosystems?

  • Clean air and water
  • Biodiversity support
  • Climate regulation
  • Soil fertility
• What is the importance of clean air and water?

  Essential for all living organisms
• How does biodiversity support ecosystem functions?

  By providing various ecological roles