Ecology Chapter on Decomposition and Sedimentation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of endemic species?

They are found only in specific regions. (correct)

They migrate seasonally.

They are widespread across various continents.

They can adapt to various environments.

Which layer of the rainforest receives the most sunlight?

Canopy Layer

Emergent Layer (correct)

Understory Layer

Forest Floor

What distinguishes tropical deciduous forests from tropical rainforests?

Higher elevation and drier soil.

Year-round high rainfall.

Presence of seasonal leaf shedding. (correct)

Lower temperatures and less biodiversity.

What is the average temperature range experienced in tropical deciduous forests?

20°C to 30°C Signup and view all the answers

During which season do many trees in tropical deciduous forests lose their leaves?

Dry season Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following trees is commonly found in tropical deciduous forests?

Teak Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation do trees in tropical deciduous forests have to survive the dry season?

Leaf drop Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the rainforest is characterized by high humidity and limited sunlight?

Understory Layer Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in the phosphorus cycle?

They break down organic matter, releasing phosphorus back into the soil. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process of sedimentation in aquatic systems?

Phosphorus-rich remains form sediments at the bottom. Signup and view all the answers

How does geological uplift affect phosphorus in the environment?

It raises phosphate-rich sediments from the ocean to land. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of using phosphate fertilizers in agriculture?

It leads to nutrient pollution and algal blooms. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the climate of tropical rainforests?

Consistent warm temperatures year-round. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes significantly to the high biodiversity in tropical rainforests?

Abundant resources and consistent climate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary consumer in a forest ecosystem?

Deer Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of phosphorus from wastewater in water bodies?

It contributes to nutrient pollution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average temperature range typically experienced in sub-tropical forests?

10°C to 25°C Signup and view all the answers

Which climate condition is NOT characteristic of temperate rainforests?

Pronounced dry seasons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following trees is commonly found in sub-tropical forests?

Oak Signup and view all the answers

What type of vegetation is often found in drier regions of sub-tropical forests?

Xerophytic plants Signup and view all the answers

Temperate rainforests are distinguished from tropical rainforests by having?

Less extreme temperatures Signup and view all the answers

The annual rainfall in temperate rainforests can reach up to how many millimeters?

3,000 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is associated with moist sub-tropical forests?

More consistent rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of temperate rainforests?

Large evergreen trees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ecosystems is characterized by severe cold and strong winds, with notable fauna such as the arctic wolf and reindeer?

Polar grassland Signup and view all the answers

What is permafrost?

Soil, rock, or sediment that is frozen for more than two consecutive years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following deserts is classified as a temperate desert?

Mojave Desert Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary features of a tropical desert ecosystem?

Driest and hottest places on Earth with sporadic rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about pond ecosystems?

They have communities of organisms that depend on the water environment for survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of tree species in temperate deciduous forests?

They shed their leaves annually in the fall. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of a temperate rainforest provides habitat for various species due to its dense structure?

Canopy Signup and view all the answers

What range of average temperatures can temperate deciduous forests experience throughout the year?

-5°C to 25°C (23°F to 77°F) Signup and view all the answers

What type of trees dominate evergreen coniferous forests?

Coniferous trees that retain leaves all year. Signup and view all the answers

How does leaf fall in autumn benefit the soil in temperate deciduous forests?

It enhances soil fertility by decomposing. Signup and view all the answers

What are the average annual rainfall levels for temperate deciduous forests?

750 to 1,500 mm (30 to 60 inches) Signup and view all the answers

What is one feature of the understory in temperate deciduous forests?

It is primarily composed of ferns and shrubs. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does seasonal change affect trees in temperate deciduous forests during spring?

Trees regrow their leaves and flowers due to increased sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Decomposition and Phosphorus Cycle

Organic Matter Breakdown: Decomposers like bacteria and fungi recycle nutrients by breaking down dead plants and animals, releasing phosphorus as phosphate into soil and water.
Sedimentation in Aquatic Systems: Phosphates are absorbed by algae and aquatic plants. When they die, their phosphorus-rich biomass settles to the bottom, forming sediments that can eventually turn into phosphate rock.
Geological Uplift: Tectonic processes can bring phosphate-rich sediments to land, integrating them into the Earth's crust, which is later exposed through weathering.
Human Impact: Excessive use of phosphate fertilizers leads to increased phosphorus in ecosystems, causing eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and hypoxia in water bodies. Wastewater from sewage also contributes to nutrient pollution.

Forest Ecosystems

Abiotic Components: Forests contain a mix of inorganic and organic substances, influenced by temperature, humidity, rainfall, light, and biogenic gases like CO2 and O2.
Biotic Components: Forest fauna and flora include:
- Producers: Large trees, herbs, lianas, orchids.
- Consumers: Ranging from deer (primary) to tigers (tertiary).
- Decomposers are crucial in nutrient cycling.

Tropical Rainforest

Definition: Dense forests near the equator with high biodiversity and rainfall.
Climate: Average temperatures of 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F); annual rainfall exceeding 1750 mm (69 inches).
Biodiversity: Houses vast plant species (e.g., mahogany, ferns) and diverse fauna (jaguars, birds, reptiles) with high endemism.
Structure: Composed of distinct layers—emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor—each supporting unique species.

Tropical Deciduous Forest

Definition: Also called tropical dry forests, these ecosystems experience a marked dry season.
Climate: Average temperatures of 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F) with annual rainfall between 750 mm to 2000 mm (30 to 80 inches).
Vegetation: Features deciduous trees like teak and mahogany that shed leaves in the dry season to conserve water.

Sub-Tropical Forest

Definition: Found between tropical and temperate zones, these forests are characterized by a range of temperature and precipitation.
Climate: Temperatures average 10°C-25°C (50°F-77°F) with rainfall from 750 mm to 1500 mm (30 to 60 inches).
Vegetation: Comprises a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees, with diverse understory featuring shrubs and grasses.

Temperate Rainforest

Definition: Ecosystems in temperate areas characterized by high rainfall and mild temperatures.
Climate: Temperatures usually range from 4°C to 18°C (39°F to 64°F), with rainfall of 1200 mm to 3000 mm (47 to 118 inches) annually.
Vegetation: Dominated by large evergreens like Douglas fir and western red cedar; rich understory includes ferns and mosses.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Definition: Forest ecosystems displaying moderate climates with distinct seasons.
Climate: Wide temperature range from -5°C to 25°C (23°F to 77°F) and annual rainfall of 750 mm to 1500 mm (30 to 60 inches).
Vegetation: Predominantly deciduous trees like oak and maple that shed leaves in fall, with a rich understory of shrubs and herbs.

Evergreen Coniferous Forest

Definition: Also known as boreal forests or taiga, these forests are dominated by coniferous trees that retain foliage year-round.

Polar Grassland

Definition: Characterized by severe cold, strong winds, and a unique set of flora and fauna.
Notable Species: Home to arctic wolves, foxes, reindeer, migratory birds, and insects.

Desert Ecosystem

Global Coverage: Deserts cover about one-third of the Earth's land area.
Tropical Deserts: Notable for extreme heat and sporadic rainfall; examples include the Sahara and Kalahari.
Temperate Deserts: Can be significantly colder; floors tend to have rocks and pebbles, e.g., Mojave Desert.
Cold Deserts: Occur in temperate regions with extreme seasonal temperatures, e.g., Atacama and Gobi Deserts.

Pond Ecosystem

Definition: Freshwater ecosystems where communities of organisms depend on each other and the water environment for survival and nutrients.

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Description

This quiz explores the processes of decomposition in ecosystems, particularly focusing on how organic matter is broken down by decomposers. It also covers the role of sedimentation in aquatic systems and the cycling of phosphorus through these natural processes.