Biology Chapter: Energy Flow and Producers

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Questions and Answers

Which phylum do green algae belong to?

Phaeophyta

Chlorophyta (correct)

Rhodophyta

Dinoflagellate

Which of the following is a main pigment found in green algae?

Phycocyanin

Chlorophyll (correct)

Phycoerytherin

Xanthophyll

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of algae?

Codium

Sealettuca (correct)

Sargassum

Chondrus crispus

What pigment is primarily associated with red algae?

Phycoerytherin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered brown algae?

Kelp and Sargassum Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes heterotrophic organisms from autotrophic organisms?

Heterotrophs rely on consuming organic compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What do primary consumers primarily consume?

Plants and algae Signup and view all the answers

How is decomposition significant to the ecosystem?

It recycles organic compounds into inorganic compounds. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a food web more representative of energy flow than a trophic pyramid?

It shows the branching network of various consumers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy conversion occurs during photosynthesis?

Solar energy into chemical energy Signup and view all the answers

What defines compensation depth in the ocean?

The depth at which respiration equals photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about cyanobacteria compared to other organisms?

They are the only organisms capable of fixing molecular nitrogen. Signup and view all the answers

What are coccolithophores primarily known for?

Their calcium carbonate shells in bright waters. Signup and view all the answers

What organisms are included in Phylum Bacillariophyta?

Diatoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of kelp in the marine ecosystem?

It provides a foundation for temperate coastal ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the flagella located in dinoflagellates?

In grooves Signup and view all the answers

What type of environments are diatoms primarily found in?

Marine and freshwater environments Signup and view all the answers

How do red algae defend themselves against herbivores?

By producing toxic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between submergent and emergent plants?

Emergent plants live partially out of water, while submergent plants live entirely underwater. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest challenge for a plant to adapt to living in the sea?

Water salinity Signup and view all the answers

Which group do red algae belong to?

Phylum Rhodophyta Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heterotrophs vs. Autotrophs

Heterotrophs consume organic compounds to obtain energy.
Autotrophs create organic compounds using energy from sunlight or chemicals.
Examples of heterotrophs include animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Examples of autotrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Energy Flow through Ecosystems

Primary consumers are herbivores, consuming plants and algae.
Secondary consumers are carnivores, consuming herbivores.
Decomposition breaks down organic matter into inorganic compounds, recycling nutrients for primary producers to use.
Food webs are a better representation of energy flow than trophic pyramids, as they show the branching network of consumers and their alternative food sources.

Photosynthesis and Chemosynthesis

Photosynthesis transforms solar energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars.
Chemosynthesis uses chemicals to create energy in the absence of sunlight.

Primary Production

Primary producers are organisms that acquire energy from sunlight or chemicals, like plants, algae, and some bacteria.
Primary producers are approximately 10% efficient in converting energy.
Primary production is measured in grams of carbon per square meter per unit time.
Ocean regions with high primary productivity include the California Current and the Southern Ocean.
Primary production in the ocean is largely due to phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton are a diverse group of microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food web.
Diatoms are single-celled algae with a hard, glass-like cell wall.
Dinoflagellates are single-celled organisms with flagella that propel them through the water.
Cyanobacteria are the only organisms that can fix molecular nitrogen, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for other organisms.

Other Marine Algae

Coccolithophores have a calcium carbonate shell and live in bright water.
Silicoflagellates have a silica supporting structure.

Bacteria

There are three main shapes of bacteria: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral).

Phylum Bacillariophyta

This phylum includes diatoms.
The top and bottom halves of a diatom are called valves.
Diatoms are found in marine and freshwater environments.

Phylum Dinophyta

This phylum includes dinoflagellates.
Red tides are caused by a bloom of certain dinoflagellates that can produce toxins, causing illnesses like Ciguatera and shellfish poisoning.

Kelp

The largest brown alga.
Can grow up to 100 feet tall.
Forms the foundation for temperate coastal ecosystems.

Challenges for Algae

Herbivore grazing.
Desiccation during low tides.
Wave action.

Red Algae

Produce toxic compounds to defend against herbivores.

Plant Adaptations to the Marine Environment

Emergent plants live partially in and out of water.
Submergent plants live entirely underwater.
The greatest challenge for plants to adapt to living in the sea is water salinity.

Mangrove Swamps

Important to the environment, filtering runoff water and providing habitats for marine organisms.

Algae: Kingdom, Cell Structure, Phyla, Examples, Pigments

Kingdom: Protista
Cell Structure: Both unicellular and multicellular.
**

Red Algae:

Phylum: Rhodophyta
Examples: Coralline Algae, Porphyra, Irish Moss
Main Pigments: Chlorophyll, Phycoerythin (red), Phycocyanin (blue).
**

Brown Algae:

Phylum: Phaeophyta
Examples: Sargassum, Kelp
Main Pigments: Chlorophyll, Xanthophyll
**

Green Algae:

Phylum: Chlorophyta
Examples: Sea Lettuce, Ulva, Acetabula
Main Pigment: Chlorophyll

Categorizing Algae

Chlorophyta (Green Algae): Codium, Enteromorpha
Rhodophyta (Red Algae): Phycoerythin, Phycocyanin, Chondrus crispus
Phaeophyta (Brown Algae): Kelp, Sargassum, Xanthophyll
Does Not Fit: Spartina alterniflora, Dinoflagellate, Mangrove, Carrageenan

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Description

Explore the difference between heterotrophs and autotrophs along with their roles in ecosystems. Understand energy flow through food webs, photosynthesis, and chemosynthesis. This quiz covers the foundational concepts of primary production and the recycling of nutrients.