Biology 20: Ecology
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Questions and Answers

What type of organism is the ruby-throated hummingbird classified as?

  • Autotroph
  • Heterotroph (correct)
  • Photosynthetic organism
  • Producer

Which process do plants utilize to store energy in carbohydrates?

  • Photosynthesis (correct)
  • Cellular respiration
  • Digestion
  • Fermentation

Which of the following is NOT a type of organism that can be classified as a producer?

  • Ruby-throated hummingbird (correct)
  • Some bacteria
  • Algae
  • Plants

What is released during cellular respiration?

<p>Energy from carbohydrates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes heterotrophs from autotrophs?

<p>Heterotrophs consume other organisms; autotrophs produce their own food (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average albedo of Earth?

<p>30 percent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms are primarily classified as primary consumers?

<p>Herbivores (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Sun's energy is absorbed by gases like water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

<p>19 percent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process do chemosynthetic bacteria use to obtain energy?

<p>Chemosynthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What byproduct is produced during the process of chemosynthesis?

<p>Sulfuric acid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

<p>Transform waste into energy-rich molecules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Sun's energy that reaches Earth is utilized by producers for photosynthesis?

<p>1-2 percent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the deep ocean, which organisms are common primary consumers?

<p>Mussels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of energy for all producers on Earth?

<p>Solar energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the ecosystem is NOT directly dependent on producers for energy?

<p>Producers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Sun’s radiant energy is reflected back into space?

<p>30 percent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of consumers primarily eat other consumers?

<p>Secondary consumers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are chemosynthetic producers likely to be found?

<p>Deep-sea vents (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT typically describe herbivores?

<p>Producers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in the biosphere?

<p>They recycle organic and inorganic matter. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can't energy be recycled in the biosphere like matter?

<p>Energy is always lost as heat during transformations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process do primary consumers primarily rely on for energy?

<p>Consumption of autotrophs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the first trophic level in an ecosystem?

<p>It provides the chemical energy for all other levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the second law of thermodynamics, what occurs during energy transformation?

<p>Some energy is lost as unusable heat. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of producers convert chemical energy from bonds into carbohydrate molecules?

<p>Chemosynthetic producers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact can fertilizers applied to local green spaces have on distant waterways?

<p>They can create aquatic dead zones. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do decomposers primarily obtain their energy?

<p>By consuming dead organic material (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of energy being transformed in ecosystems?

<p>Energy available for useful work decreases with each transformation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do satellite data and computer modeling contribute to understanding the biosphere?

<p>They aid in understanding biogeochemical interactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of nutrient run-off in ecosystems?

<p>Algal blooms followed by aquatic dead zones. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the flow of energy in ecosystems?

<p>Energy follows a one-way path. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the term 'trophic level'?

<p>The roles of producers and consumers in energy transfer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do wetlands play in the ecosystem?

<p>They help clean polluted water and provide ecosystem services. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence productivity in the biosphere?

<p>Environmental factors such as sunlight and nutrient availability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an ecological system, which component consists of non-living things?

<p>Physical environment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

<p>They are interrelated processes that support life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do primary consumers primarily consume?

<p>Producers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which law explains that energy cannot be created or destroyed?

<p>First law of thermodynamics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a pyramid of biomass illustrate in an ecosystem?

<p>The amount of biomass at each trophic level (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might an ocean ecosystem have fewer producers than consumers?

<p>Producers are consumed as quickly as they reproduce (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ecological pyramid is always upright?

<p>Pyramid of energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily impacted when the number of species decreases in an ecosystem?

<p>The stability of feeding relationships (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Elton introduce to describe the interconnected feeding relationships in an ecosystem?

<p>Food web (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

<p>10 percent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range of energy transfer efficiency from one trophic level to the next?

<p>5% to 20% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a pyramid of numbers typically differ from a pyramid of biomass?

<p>It represents the number of organisms rather than their weight. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why food chains are limited in length?

<p>Energy transfer inefficiencies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about autotrophs is true?

<p>They require matter to build cell structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines an ecological pyramid?

<p>A model showing the distribution of energy and organisms at different trophic levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can ecologists expect biodiversity's impact on ecosystems?

<p>Biodiversity may affect ecosystem stability and energy dynamics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception might occur regarding pyramids of numbers in certain ecosystems?

<p>They always have an upright shape. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of phytoplankton in ocean ecosystems?

<p>They act as the primary producers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is usually assumed about the energy transfer efficiency at each trophic level?

<p>It is typically 10 percent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the energy available at the highest trophic levels?

<p>It decreases due to energy transfer loss. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the mass of living or once-living organisms per unit area?

<p>Biomass (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the hydrological cycle in ecosystems?

<p>It helps dissolve and transport nutrients. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of ecosystem might one find an inverted pyramid of numbers?

<p>Forest ecosystem (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of drought on ecosystems?

<p>Reduced water availability and impact on organisms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'rule of 10' describes the assumption about energy transfer efficiency. What does it imply?

<p>10% of energy is available to the next trophic level. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the term 'biomass' in ecological studies?

<p>Both living and once-living materials (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of using a pyramid of biomass compared to a pyramid of numbers?

<p>It does not account for the size of organisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Elton originally coin the term 'Eltonian pyramids'?

<p>To represent the distribution of energy among trophic levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to explain energy loss during transfer between trophic levels?

<p>Tossing a bucket of water. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a primary producer in a terrestrial ecosystem?

<p>Grain plants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about food webs is false?

<p>They are simple linear models. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of heterotrophs in relation to nutrient availability for plants?

<p>Converting nutrients into forms usable by plants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is considered a rapid cycling nutrient?

<p>Carbon dioxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the long-term storage of carbon in the environment?

<p>Fossil fuel deposits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do trees in forests play in the carbon cycle?

<p>They act as carbon sinks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient cycle involves the incorporation of sulfur into proteins and vitamins?

<p>Sulfur cycle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the slow cycling of nutrients is accurate?

<p>Involves long periods of accumulation in reservoirs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest carbon sink in the environment?

<p>Ocean (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of deforestation in terms of carbon?

<p>It leads to the release of about 2 gigatonnes of carbon annually. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form of sulfur do plants primarily utilize for their metabolic processes?

<p>Sulfate (SO4 2–) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbon when limestone weathers over time?

<p>Small amounts of carbon are released back into the environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do bacteria contribute to the sulfur cycle?

<p>Different types of bacteria have various roles in processing sulfur. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process returns carbon quickly into rapid cycling after being stored for some time?

<p>Forest fires (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the industrial revolution have on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?

<p>Levels increased by about 30 percent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is typically not found in the atmosphere but exists abundantly in soil and water?

<p>Phosphorus (P) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of sulfate reducers in the sulfur cycle?

<p>Convert sulfate to sulfi de (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily responsible for releasing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere?

<p>Burning fossil fuels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form of nitrogen can plants directly utilize?

<p>Nitrate (NO3 -) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes converts nitrogen gas into a usable form for plants?

<p>Nitrogen fixation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does acid deposition affect the environment?

<p>It can damage plant life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is phosphorus often limited in its availability in the environment?

<p>It is largely trapped in rocks and soil. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the process of crop rotation involving legumes?

<p>Nitrogen-fixing bacteria increase nitrogen content. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about denitrifying bacteria is true?

<p>They release nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient's scarcity keeps the growth of producers balanced in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Phosphorus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can cause an algal bloom in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Increased nutrient availability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do decomposers contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

<p>They convert organic matter into ammonia. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a consequence of excessive acid deposition?

<p>Increased agricultural yields (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form must phosphorus be in for plants to utilize it?

<p>Phosphate (PO4 3-) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one key outcome of the Biosphere 2 experiment?

<p>Oxygen levels eventually dropped, making the environment unsafe. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of NASA's Advanced Life Support (ALS) program?

<p>To develop sustainable solutions for food and oxygen in space colonies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'dead zones' in aquatic environments?

<p>Areas where aquatic life has suffocated from low oxygen levels caused by algal blooms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do wetlands contribute to the ecosystem?

<p>They filter large amounts of water and support biodiversity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of algal blooms exacerbated by pollution?

<p>Creation of dead zones where fish cannot survive. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sustainable technology is used by the Piikani First Nation to produce electricity?

<p>Wind turbines (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists model potential colonies on Mars?

<p>By creating artificial environments in controlled settings on Earth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does chemical and biological methods play in NASA's ALS program?

<p>They transform waste into valuable resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are wetlands important for urban areas like Calcutta?

<p>They help treat sewage and manage waste. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant problem caused by human activities in the biosphere?

<p>Creation of dead zones in aquatic environments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the exchange of matter and energy in the biosphere?

<p>Likely interdependent biological and chemical cycles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ecological issue is caused by nutrient run-off into water bodies?

<p>Algal blooms leading to oxygen depletion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of wind energy impact carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels?

<p>Wind energy has zero carbon emissions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge researchers faced in Biosphere 2?

<p>Sustaining oxygen and managing carbon dioxide levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of biogeochemical cycles within the biosphere?

<p>To recycle nutrients among living organisms and environmental reservoirs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence productivity in an ecosystem?

<p>Presence of predators (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is productivity commonly measured in ecosystems?

<p>Energy per area, per year or biomass added per area, per year (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do nutrients play in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>They promote the growth of algae, which is vital for primary productivity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis in the context of living organisms?

<p>The ability to maintain internal balance despite external changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Gaia Hypothesis, what role does life play in maintaining biospheric conditions?

<p>Life actively regulates environmental conditions to sustain itself. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of stromatolites in understanding Earth's ancient atmosphere?

<p>They confirm the presence of free oxygen during their formation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically limits productivity in desert ecosystems?

<p>Insufficient moisture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a grassland ecosystem exhibit higher productivity than a forest during its growing season?

<p>Grasslands undergo less competition for energy among producers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the constant input of energy from the Sun to the biosphere?

<p>It is necessary for the conversion of nutrients into usable energy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to oxygen levels in the atmosphere based on the activities of photosynthetic microorganisms?

<p>They were initially very low and began to rise due to photosynthesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does human activity have on biogeochemical cycles?

<p>It disrupts and alters the natural processes of these cycles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is primarily associated with the cycling of nutrients in living organisms and their environment?

<p>Phosphorus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do large rivers and melting ice contribute to ocean productivity?

<p>They deliver nutrients essential for algal growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cellular Respiration

The process by which organisms convert energy-rich molecules into usable energy.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and some bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into sugars for energy.

Producers

Organisms that can make their own food through photosynthesis.

Consumers

Organisms that get their energy by consuming other organisms.

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Fermentation

The conversion of sugars and starches into energy in the absence of oxygen.

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Energy Release

The process of breaking down food molecules to release energy.

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Energy Storage

The process of building up molecules to store energy.

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Energy Use

The use of energy by organisms for essential life processes.

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Sun's Radiant Energy

The total amount of radiant energy that reaches Earth each day.

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Albedo

The fraction of solar radiation that is reflected back into space.

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Chemosynthesis

The process by which certain bacteria utilize energy from inorganic molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide, to produce food.

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Herbivores

Organisms that eat plants.

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Carnivores

Organisms that eat other animals.

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Secondary Consumers

Organisms that eat mainly herbivores, often becoming prey for tertiary consumers.

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Tertiary Consumers

Organisms that eat secondary consumers.

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Decomposers

Organisms that obtain nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter.

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Hydrothermal Vents

Deep-sea vents spewing out hydrogen sulfide-containing water.

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Chemosynthetic Bacteria

Bacteria that live in the tissues of tubeworms near hydrothermal vents and perform chemosynthesis.

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Nitrification

The process by which nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia in the soil to nitrates.

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Nitrifying Bacteria

A type of chemosynthetic bacteria that plays an important role in the nitrogen cycle.

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Earth's Closed System to Matter

A closed system where the total amount of matter stays the same, with matter being constantly recycled.

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Matter Cycling

The movement of matter through different parts of the biosphere, being used and reused.

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Energy Flow

The one-way flow of energy through the biosphere, starting from the sun and eventually dissipating as heat.

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First Law of Thermodynamics

The principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed from one form to another.

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Second Law of Thermodynamics

The principle stating that energy transformations are not 100% efficient, some energy is lost as unusable heat with every transformation.

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Trophic Level

The feeding level through which energy and matter are transferred in an ecosystem.

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Food Chain

A linear sequence showing the flow of energy through an ecosystem, starting from producers and going through different consumers.

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Food Web

A complex network of food chains interconnected, showing the flow of energy in a more realistic way.

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Ecosystem

A community of organisms and their physical environment interacting and exchanging energy and matter.

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Ecology

The study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment.

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Energy Transfer Efficiency

The amount of energy that is transferred from one trophic level to the next, usually estimated to be around 10% due to energy losses during metabolic processes.

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Rule of 10

A simplified rule stating that only 10% of energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next, helping to understand energy flow within ecosystems.

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Ecological Pyramids

Models that illustrate the distribution of energy, numbers, or biomass at different trophic levels within an ecosystem.

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Pyramid of Numbers

An ecological pyramid that represents the number of individuals at each trophic level, often showing more organisms at lower trophic levels.

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Inverted Pyramid of Numbers

A pyramid of numbers that is inverted, with fewer organisms at lower trophic levels than at higher trophic levels, often seen in forest ecosystems.

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Biomass

A measure of the total dry mass of living or once-living organisms within a given area, often used in ecological pyramids.

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Pyramid of Biomass

An ecological pyramid that represents the biomass (total dry mass) of organisms at each trophic level, often showing a decrease in biomass as you move up the pyramid.

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Pyramid of Energy

An ecological pyramid that represents the amount of energy available at each trophic level, always showing a decrease in energy as you move up the pyramid.

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Primary Producers

Organisms that make their own food using sunlight, such as plants.

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Nutrient Acquisition

The process by which organisms obtain nutrients for energy and building blocks.

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Biogeochemical Cycles

The process by which matter is cycled within the environment, involving biological, geological, and chemical transformations.

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Biodiversity

The variety of life in an ecosystem, including different species and their interactions.

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Ecosystem Stability

The capacity of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and maintain its structure and function.

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Hydrological Cycle

A finite amount of water that is constantly recycled through the environment.

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Nutrient Reservoir

A reservoir where a nutrient is stored for a period of time, such as in organisms, soil, air, or water.

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Rapid Cycling of Nutrients

The rapid movement of nutrients through an ecosystem, like carbon moving from plants to animals to decomposers.

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Slow Cycling of Nutrients

The slow movement of nutrients through an ecosystem, often involving long storage periods, such as carbon stored in fossil fuels.

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Rapid Cycling Substances

Substances that cycle quickly between nutrient reservoirs, like carbon moving from producers to consumers to decomposers and back.

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Slow Cycling Substances

Substances that accumulate in reservoirs for long periods, like carbon in fossil fuels formed over millions of years.

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Globally Cycling Elements

Elements like oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur that easily move through air and water, enabling them to travel globally.

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Locally Cycling Elements

Elements like iron and phosphorus that mainly exist in soil and water, with limited atmospheric movement.

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Carbon Fixation

The natural process where plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter.

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Carbon Sink

A reservoir that absorbs more carbon from the environment than it releases, like forests.

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Carbon Release

The release of stored carbon back into the atmosphere, often through burning of fossil fuels or deforestation.

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Decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter by decomposers, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.

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Sulfur Cycle

The role of organisms in converting sulfur into different forms, making it available for other organisms to use.

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Sulfur Cycling Bacteria

Specific type of bacteria that are essential for sulfur cycling, converting sulfur-containing compounds in different forms.

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Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

A natural form of sulfur, smelling like rotten eggs, indicating decomposition is occurring.

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Biosphere

The interconnectedness of all living organisms and their physical environment on Earth.

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Productivity

The rate at which producers convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, thus supporting the entire ecosystem.

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Ecosystem Services

The ability of ecosystems to withstand disturbances and maintain their function, such as absorbing pollutants or regulating water flow.

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Dead Zones

Areas with very low oxygen levels in water bodies, often caused by excessive nutrient pollution that leads to algal blooms and subsequent decomposition.

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Sulfate Reducers

Specialized bacteria that convert sulfate (SO4 2-) to sulfide (S2-), a crucial step in the sulfur cycle.

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Sulfur Oxidizers

Specialized bacteria that convert sulfide (S2-) to elemental sulfur (S) and sulfate (SO4 2-), a process crucial for sulfur availability.

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Acid Deposition

Acid deposition, primarily caused by sulfuric acid (H2SO4), returns sulfur to oceans and soils.

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Sulfur Removal from Rapid Cycling

Process by which sulfur is permanently removed from the rapid cycling by converting it into forms that settle down as sediments and eventually become part of rocks.

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Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which nitrogen gas (N2) is converted into ammonium (NH4+).

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Phosphorus

Essential nutrient for all living organisms, plays a vital role in DNA, ATP and bones.

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Phosphate (PO4 3-)

The form of phosphorus that plants and algae can absorb.

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Algal Bloom

An overgrowth of algae, often caused by excess phosphorus, leading to oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life.

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Ecosystem Productivity

The rate at which an ecosystem's producers convert solar energy into chemical energy and store it in organic compounds.

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Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment within certain limits, despite changes in external conditions.

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Gaia Hypothesis

A scientific hypothesis proposing that the biosphere acts like a self-regulating organism, maintaining conditions suitable for life.

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Stromatolites

A type of sedimentary rock formed by layers of ancient micro-organisms, indicating the presence of oxygen in ancient Earth's oceans.

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Oxygen Production

The process by which photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, produce oxygen as a byproduct of energy production.

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Photosynthetic Organisms and Consumers

The relationship between photosynthetic organisms, which produce energy, and consumers, which use that energy.

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Sunlight's Influence on Productivity

The amount of sunlight reaching an ecosystem determines the amount and type of productivity in that ecosystem.

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Water's Impact on Productivity

Limited water availability restricts productivity in ecosystems like deserts and tundra.

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Biosphere's Matter Exchange

The exchange of matter between the biosphere and outer space is minimal. The biosphere does not exchange matter significantly with its surroundings.

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Nutrient Cycling Rates

Nutrients cycle among reservoirs at different rates, with some reservoirs storing nutrients for shorter periods and others for longer periods.

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Human Impact on Biogeochemical Cycles

Human activities can disrupt biogeochemical cycles, altering the balance of nutrients and affecting the overall ecosystem.

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Interconnected Biogeochemical Cycles

Disruptions in one biogeochemical cycle can have a cascading effect on other interconnected cycles.

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Biosphere Energy Balance

The constant energy input from the Sun and output of radiant energy to space keeps the biosphere in a dynamic balance.

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Biosphere's Energy Open System

The biosphere is not a closed system for energy. It constantly receives energy from the Sun and releases energy into space.

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Biosphere's Dependence on Energy and Nutrients

The biosphere needs a constant input of energy from the Sun and the recycling of nutrients to maintain its internal balance and support life.

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Nutrient Pollution

A major cause of dead zones, where excess nutrients from pollution sources contribute to algal blooms.

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Wetlands

Areas of permanently saturated soil, acting as natural water filters and providing habitats for diverse species.

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Calcutta's Wetlands

An example of a sustainable solution using wetlands to treat sewage and provide resources for local communities.

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Wind Turbines

A renewable energy source that utilizes wind to generate electricity without producing harmful emissions.

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Weather Dancer 1

The Piikani First Nation's approach to energy production, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with nature and minimizing environmental impact.

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Matter and Energy Exchange

The interconnectedness of the movement of matter and energy through Earth's biosphere.

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Advanced Life Support (ALS)

The ongoing efforts to develop self-sustaining environments for space exploration, using closed systems like greenhouses to produce food and oxygen.

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Haughton-Mars Project

NASA's research program simulating a Mars colony in the Canadian Arctic, using a harsh environment similar to Mars.

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Preserving the Natural Balance

The importance of preserving the balance and integrity of the biosphere, considering the interconnectedness of its cycles.

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Solutions from the Biosphere

Developing solutions to environmental problems by drawing inspiration from the ways nature functions.

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Far-Reaching Consequences

The far-reaching consequences of human activities on Earth's systems, highlighting the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment.

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Study Notes

Energy for Life

  • All organisms need energy for growth, maintenance, and reproduction; movement also requires energy
  • Energy is released from carbohydrates and other organic molecules
  • Cellular respiration is the energy-releasing process in most animals and plants
  • Fermentation is the energy-releasing process for organisms in oxygen-free environments

Photosynthesis

  • Plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon into carbohydrates (sugars and starches)
  • This process is called photosynthesis
  • Organisms that produce their own food are called producers or autotrophs

Heterotrophs

  • Animals and some other organisms cannot produce their own energy-rich molecules
  • They obtain these molecules by consuming other organisms (or absorbing nutrients from them)
  • These are called heterotrophs or "other feeders"
  • Consumers eat other organisms (including producers and heterotrophs)

Producers in Diverse Environments

  • The sun provides energy for nearly all producers on earth
  • About 51% of the sun's energy reaches Earth's surface
  • Only 1-2% of that energy is converted to chemical energy via photosynthesis
  • Chemosynthetic bacteria in deep-sea vents capture energy from chemical bonds to create carbohydrates (in place of photosynthesis)

Consumers and Ecological Roles

  • Consumers (heterotrophs) rely, directly or indirectly, on producers for energy
  • Herbivores (primary consumers) eat plants
  • Carnivores (secondary/tertiary consumers) eat other animals
  • Decomposers obtain energy from waste and dead matter

Fate of Energy in the Biosphere

  • Energy flows in one direction through the biosphere
  • Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted
  • The "rule of 10" (approximately 10% energy transfer between trophic levels) is a helpful approximation but not a law
  • Some energy is lost as unusable heat in each conversion

Ecological Pyramids

  • Models to represent feeding relationships
  • Pyramids of numbers, biomass, and energy
  • Pyramids of numbers show the number of organisms at each trophic level
  • Pyramids of biomass show the total dry mass of organisms
  • Pyramids of energy show the total energy transferred

Food Chains and Food Webs

  • Food chains show linear food transfer from producers to consumers
  • Food webs show interconnected food chains
  • Trophic levels represent feeding positions in the food web
  • Decomposition plays a critical role

Biogeochemical Cycles

  • The biosphere constantly recycles matter (e.g., carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus)
  • Biogeochemical cycles involve both biotic and abiotic components
  • Substances are stored in reservoirs (organisms, soil, air, water) and recycled through rapid and slow cycling processes
  • Human activities greatly impact (e.g., deforestation, burning fossil fuels) biogeochemical cycles

Productivity and Homeostasis

  • Productivity is the rate at which producers create biomass
  • Productivity varies across ecosystems based on sunlight, moisture, and nutrients
  • Organisms maintain homeostasis to regulate internal conditions despite external changes.
  • Gaia Hypothesis suggests the biosphere acts like an organism to regulate itself.

Impact of Human Activities

  • Human activities profoundly impact biogeochemical cycles and energy flow.
  • Deforestation, nutrient runoff, pollution, and fossil fuel combustion alter the environment
  • Examples like dead zones (hypoxic waters) highlight ecological consequences.
  • Technologies and practices (e.g., wetlands treatment, renewable energy) are vital to maintain ecosystem balance.

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