1. Define ecology, biosphere, and ecosystem. How are they related to one another? 2. What are abiotic factors? Biotic factors? 3. Describe the process of ecological success. 4. What is a climax community? 5. How would the breakdown of large amounts of organic matter upset the natural balance of a lake ecosystem?
section 4
1. How does energy flow through an ecosystem? 2. Describe the three types of ecological pyramids. 3. How are water, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen recycled in the environment? 4. What is a limiting factor? Give an example. 5. Compare a food chain and a food web. 6. Describe a food chain in which you are a member.