What are some examples of nonliving things in an ecosystem?
*
This is a required question
3. What do food webs show about an ecosystem?
*
4. How is predation essential to maintaining an ecosystem?
*
5. If two different organisms compete for the same food source, like the owl and the hawk, how can they both thrive in the same ecosystem?
*
6. What is one example of a parasitic relationship given?
*
7. Why are the bacteria in a termite’s stomach considered mutualistic and not parasitic?
*
8. What is the difference between an orchid's relationship with a tree and a mistletoe's relationship with a tree?
*
9. What are some careers that study symbiotic relationships, and why are these important?
Examples of nonliving things in an ecosystem include sunlight, water, soil, rocks, and air.
Food webs show the interconnected relationships between different organisms in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow through the ecosystem.
Predation is essential to maintaining an ecosystem because it helps control populations of certain species, preventing overpopulation and promoting biodiversity.
If two different organisms compete for the same food source, they may evolve to occupy different niches within the ecosystem or adapt their behavior to reduce competition and coexist.
One example of a parasitic relationship is the relationship between a tick and a dog, where the tick feeds off the dog's blood, harming the dog in the process.
The bacteria in a termite's stomach are considered mutualistic because they help break down the cellulose in wood, aiding in the termite's digestion while also benefiting from the relationship.
The orchid's relationship with a tree is an example of commensalism, where the orchid benefits from growing on the tree without harming it, while mistletoe is a parasitic plant that harms its host tree by stealing nutrients.
Careers that study symbiotic relationships include ecologists, microbiologists, and conservation biologists, who play a crucial role in understanding and preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.