week 6-7

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Questions and Answers

What is the general assessment of reducing meat consumption in relation to environmental sustainability?

It will definitely save the planet without any trade-offs.

It is a simple and straightforward solution to the crisis.

It has no impact on the carbon footprint.

It’s a complicated issue that requires deeper evaluation. (correct)

Which statement best describes the role of Wikipedia in research?

It contains all necessary information needed for advanced research.

Wikipedia is a reliable source for scholarly articles.

It is only useful for preliminary research, not for citing. (correct)

Wikipedia should be used as a primary source for academic research.

What should students consider when evaluating sources of information?

The CRAP test is a useful evaluation tool. (correct)

The publication date of the sources.

The number of views the source has received online.

Whether the source agrees with their personal beliefs.

What is the due date for the Ecological Footprint Essay?

10/21/24 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of photosynthesis in ecosystems?

To convert solar energy into chemical energy Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding energy transfer between trophic levels?

Only 10% of energy is available to the next trophic level. Signup and view all the answers

What gas is produced during cellular respiration?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily exchanged during the process of photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide and glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which statements are correct regarding carbon cycling?

Glucose is a carbon-containing compound. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions do livestock account for?

11.1-19.6% Signup and view all the answers

What role do primary producers play in an ecosystem?

They convert energy from sunlight into food. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about energy pyramids in ecosystems is accurate?

Energy pyramids illustrate the flow of energy through trophic levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

To convert inorganic carbon into organic compounds Signup and view all the answers

How does the law of 10% apply to energy flow in an ecosystem?

Only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of removing apex predators from an ecosystem?

It leads to an explosion of the prey population. Signup and view all the answers

What process moves carbon from the atmosphere into organic compartments?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

In a trophic cascade, which scenario illustrates a bottom-up effect?

Increased primary production leading to more herbivores. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a decomposer's function in an ecosystem?

To breakdown organic matter and recycle nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What is primary production specifically defined as?

The process of converting light energy into chemical energy. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does meat consumption have on the environment?

It increases the overall carbon footprint due to resource intensity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course name: SC253: Ecology and Environmental Problems
Date of lecture: October 7, 2024
Instructor: Prof. Amy L. Frick

Agenda

Housekeeping
Review of ecological niches & trophic levels
Ecosystems as compartments of energy
Carbon cycling
Law of 10%
Effect of meat consumption on the environment
Carbon footprint
Midterm questions

Housekeeping

Midterm: October 14, 2024. Multiple choice and short answer questions. Covers class discussions (September 16 - October 7), readings referenced in class, and in-class activities/assignments.
Ecological Footprint Essay: Due October 21, 2024. Mini-presentation of 1-2 slides in class. Details in the /Content/Case Study of One/ folder.

Ecosystem Organization

Biome > Ecosystem > Community > Population > Organism

Ecological Niches

Autotrophs: Perform photosynthesis (e.g., plants).
Heterotrophs: Obtain energy by consuming other organisms (e.g., herbivores, carnivores).
Decomposers: Break down dead organisms.

Trophic Levels

Primary producers: Plants
Primary consumers: Herbivores
Secondary consumers: Carnivores
Tertiary consumers: Apex predators

Trophic Cascade

Removal of sea otters leads to urchin population explosions, which destroy kelp forests.
Top down: Animals eating animals.
Bottom up: Plants creating support of other species.

Energy Flow

Energy flows through linked compartments.
Sunlight -> Plants (Photosynthesis) -> Herbivores -> Carnivores -> Decomposers.
Energy lost as heat at each step.

Carbon Cycling

Photosynthesis: Converts carbon dioxide to glucose (organic carbon)
Respiration: Converts glucose (organic carbon) back to carbon dioxide.

Primary Production

Process where primary producers capture light energy, converting it to energy in carbohydrates.
Photosynthesis Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Cellular Respiration

Process where organisms break down glucose to release stored energy.
Cellular Respiration Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)

Carbon Footprint

Livestock accounting for 11.1%-19.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Consumption of less meat correlates to a lower carbon footprint (data presented in a bar graph).
Breakdown of various carbon footprints by different dietary choices.

Additional Information

Evaluating sources: Guidance on evaluating scholarly and popular articles.
Fact-checking resources: Suggestions on useful websites and resources to cross-reference information.
Specific dates: Questions on topics discussed on September 16, 23, and 30, as well as the 9/16 - 10/7 period.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts covered in SC253: Ecology and Environmental Problems. Topics include ecological niches, trophic levels, carbon cycling, and the impact of meat consumption on the environment. Prepare for your midterm with this comprehensive review!