Ecology and Energy in Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

Why do some species only grow where farmers have placed them?

To tolerate low levels of pollution

To decrease growth of producer

To increase growth of producer (correct)

To tolerate high levels of pollution

All species can tolerate high levels of pollution.

False

What happens to the dead algae and water plants?

They are broken down by microbes.

The increase in ______________ of microbes allows them to increase in number.

food Signup and view all the answers

Match the following organisms with their characteristics:

Some invertebrates = can only live in very clean water Other invertebrates = can tolerate more pollution Robins = can tolerate high levels of pollution Algae = produce their own food through photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to indicate the level of pollution in water?

Collecting samples of water and recording the invertebrates found Signup and view all the answers

Nitrates in sewage and fertilizers decrease the growth of algae and water plants.

False Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the pyramids of number when there is a higher level of pollution?

No species will grow. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to measure pollution?

Measuring oxygen levels Signup and view all the answers

Eutrophication is caused by the lack of fertilizers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbon dioxide during fossil fuel combustion?

It is released into the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason energy is lost in an ecosystem?

Energy is lost in waste materials and respiration. Signup and view all the answers

In waterlogged soil, denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen.

True Signup and view all the answers

Lichens are used to indicate the level of ____ in the air.

sulphur dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of building pyramids of number or biomass?

To calculate the efficiency of each stage in an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which bacteria break down organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide?

Decomposition Signup and view all the answers

During fossilization, energy is stored in _____________.

carbon compounds Signup and view all the answers

Untreated sewage is a cause of eutrophication.

True Signup and view all the answers

Match the following substances with their impact on the environment:

Fertilisers = Cause eutrophication Untreated Sewage = Pollute soil and water Signup and view all the answers

Match the following bacteria with their function in the nitrogen cycle:

Denitrifying bacteria = Convert nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen Ammonia-converting bacteria = Convert ammonia into nitrates that plants can absorb Signup and view all the answers

In poor soil conditions, nitrates are converted into ammonia.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to measure the efficiency of each stage in an ecosystem?

By calculating the efficiency of each stage using pyramids of number or biomass. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy in Ecosystems

Energy is used in cell repair, maintenance, and growth.
Energy is lost in waste materials and respiration.

Efficiency of Energy Transfer

Efficiency of each stage can be calculated by using pyramids of number or biomass.
Pyramids of number show the number of organisms at each trophic level.
Pyramids of biomass show the total mass of organisms at each trophic level.

Pollution Measurement

Oxygen levels can be measured to indicate pollution (less oxygen indicates more pollution).
pH levels can be measured to indicate pollution.
Lichens can be used to indicate air pollution (specifically sulphur dioxide).
Freshwater invertebrates can indicate the level of pollution in water.

Causes of Pollution

Fertilisers can cause eutrophication.
Untreated sewage can cause eutrophication.

Effects of Pollution

Eutrophication leads to an increase in algae and water plants.
Microbes break down dead algae and water plants, releasing nutrients.
Large numbers of microbes increase in response to the increased nutrients, further polluting the water.

Soil Pollution

Denitrifying bacteria in poor soil conditions convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen.
This makes nitrates unavailable to plants.
Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide during combustion.
Carbon dioxide is stored in carbon compounds during fossilization.

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Description

Learn about the energy flow in ecosystems, including energy loss and efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels. Also, discover how pollution is measured using oxygen levels.