Ecology Chapter: Energy and Biomass Pyramids
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Questions and Answers

What does a biomass pyramid estimate?

The dry mass of all the organisms within a level.

What is the unit of measurement for a biomass pyramid?

g/m^2/yr

What does a number pyramid represent?

The number of organisms at a specific level.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an open system?

<p>Energy can enter but matter cannot exit</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary production in an ecosystem driven by?

<p>The activity of producers</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influences the biomass generated by the activity of producers?

<p>Sunlight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary production of an ecosystem influenced by?

<p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary production defined as?

<p>The addition of biomass in subsequent heterotrophic levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of secondary production?

<p>The conversion of one form of carbon molecule to another inside consumers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does GPP stand for?

<p>Gross primary production</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is GPP measured?

<p>The amount of biomass produced through photosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NPP defined as?

<p>Photosynthesis minus respiration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy Pyramid

  • Diagram representing energy transfer between trophic levels
  • Shows how much & fast energy moves between levels
  • Unit: kJ m⁻² y⁻¹ or kJ m⁻² y⁻¹
  • No longer than 5 organisms

Systems

  • Open System: Energy and matter can enter and exit the system (migration, river flow, deforestation)
  • Closed System: Only energy can pass in and out; matter must be recycled (ex. earth)

Biomass Pyramid

  • Estimates dry mass of all organisms within a level
  • Unit: gm² y⁻¹

Number Pyramid

  • Number of organisms at a specific level

Summary Diagram

  • All organic parts are released as heat (non-recyclable)
  • Inorganic parts (nutrients) are recyclable

Production

  • Primary: Biomass generated by producers; influenced by sunlight; different biomes = different biomass accumulation
  • Secondary: Addition of biomass in subsequent trophic levels; conversion of one form of molecule to another inside consumers

Carbon Cycle

  • Carbon exists in atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere
  • Processes like volcanic activity, respiration, photosynthesis, feeding, excretion, decomposition are all involved
  • Carbon Cycle today (nowadays) vs 300 years ago
  • CO₂ is absorbed / produced in various ways

Gross Primary Production (GPP)

  • Biomass made during photosynthesis

Net Primary Production (NPP)

  • Primary production – respiration
  • Photosynthesis - Respiration

Keeling Curve

  • NOAA's long-term monitoring of atmospheric CO₂ levels
  • Data collected at Mauna Loa, Hawaii
  • Shows increasing CO₂ levels over time
  • Oscillating pattern due to seasonal changes (more CO₂ absorbed in summer/autumn)

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Description

Explore the intricate relationships of energy transfer within ecosystems through energy pyramids, biomass pyramids, and the number of organisms across trophic levels. This quiz covers the essential concepts of primary and secondary production, as well as the carbon cycle. Test your knowledge on open and closed systems and their impact on energy flow and matter recycling.

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