Unit 1 Review - The Living World: Ecosystems

This review will guide you through an adaptive, research-backed study session. As you answer questions, we will actively assess your current understanding of the material. Questions will continue to be drawn until you have demonstrated mastery of each learning objective.

Reviews are graded based on completion. You will receive full credit for achieving 100% mastery or answering all questions.

Learning objectives for this review:

  • Identify and describe the components of ecosystems, distinguishing between biotic and abiotic factors with examples.
  • Identify and classify different terrestrial biomes based on their climate, typical biodiversity, and geographic distribution.
  • Compare and contrast freshwater and marine biomes, noting the key life forms and physical conditions specific to each type.
  • Trace and explain the carbon cycle, identifying the roles of photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion in carbon transfer across different reservoirs.
  • Describe the steps of the nitrogen cycle, including nitrogen fixation and denitrification, emphasizing the role of bacteria.
  • Outline the phosphorus cycle and discuss the impact of phosphate in ecosystems, focusing on the processes of weathering and erosion.
  • Illustrate and explain the processes involved in the hydrologic cycle, such as evaporation and precipitation, and discuss human impacts on these processes.
  • Define primary productivity and compare productivity rates in different ecosystems, identifying factors that affect these rates.
  • Describe the concept of trophic levels in an ecosystem, differentiating between producers, consumers, and decomposers.
  • Explain the 10% rule of energy transfer in ecosystems and demonstrate how it affects energy distribution across trophic levels.
  • Construct and analyze food chains and webs, identifying different trophic interactions and their effects on ecosystem dynamics.