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Define 'Trophic Level'.
An organism's position in a food chain, based on what it eats.
What is an autotroph?
Organisms that produce their own energy (e.g., plants, algae, photosynthetic bacteria).
What is a heterotroph?
Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
Define 'Endotherm'.
An animal that can maintain a stable internal body temperature.
Define 'Ectotherm'.
An animal whose body temperature varies with the environment.
Define 'r-selected species'.
Species with rapid reproduction, many offspring, and less parental care.
Define 'K-selected species'.
Species with slow reproduction, few offspring, and more parental care.
Define 'Thermoregulation'.
Mechanisms to balance energy intake and expenditure.
What is Hibernation?
Reduced metabolic rate to conserve energy during periods of scarcity.
Define 'Net Gain' of energy.
More energy consumed than used, leading to growth and energy storage.
Define 'Net Loss' of energy.
More energy used than consumed, leading to loss of mass and eventually death.
What are the key differences between endotherms and ectotherms?
Endotherms: Maintain stable internal temperature, high energy use | Ectotherms: Body temperature varies, rely on behavior for regulation.
Compare r-selected and K-selected reproductive strategies.
r-selected: Rapid reproduction, many offspring, less parental care | K-selected: Slow reproduction, few offspring, more parental care.
What are the differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
Autotrophs: Produce their own energy | Heterotrophs: Consume other organisms for energy.
Compare 'Net Gain' and 'Net Loss' in terms of energy balance.
Net Gain: Energy stored or used for growth | Net Loss: Energy used up, leading to loss of mass.
What is the effect of decreased sunlight on primary producers?
Decreased rate of photosynthesis and reduced productivity.
What happens when an ecosystem experiences a net loss of energy?
Organisms lose mass, and eventually, death can occur.
What is the effect of a higher surface area-to-volume ratio on metabolic rate?
Smaller organisms typically have a higher metabolic rate due to faster heat loss.
How do changes in energy resources impact biodiversity?
Changes can shift species distribution, favoring those adapted to new conditions, thus altering overall biodiversity.
What is the effect of decreased producer productivity on herbivores?
Decreased food supply, leading to a decrease in the number and/or size of herbivores.
What is the effect of decreased herbivore populations on carnivores?
Reduced food supply, leading to a decrease in the number and/or size of carnivores.