Ecology Energy Transfer Quiz

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Questions and Answers

A scientist is studying how energy is transferred in a pond ecosystem. She measures the energy content in phytoplankton (primary producers), small fish (primary consumers), and large fish (secondary consumers). Which of the following best represents the dependent variable in her study?

The temperature of the pond

The number of trials conducted

The energy content at each trophic level (correct)

The species of fish present in the ecosystem

Calculate the energy transfer efficiency between small fish and large fish. What percentage is transferred?

10%

Design an experiment to determine the impact of a new fertilizer on the energy production of aquatic plants in a pond ecosystem. Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, control group, and constants.

Independent Variable: Type or amount of fertilizer Dependent Variable: Energy production by aquatic plants (measured in kcal) Control Group: Plants with no fertilizer Constants: Light levels, water temperature, species of plants

In a controlled experiment on the carbon cycle, which variable would best represent the independent variable?

The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

A student wants to investigate how increased carbon dioxide levels affect the rate of photosynthesis in plants. What is the best type of graph to represent the data?

Line graph showing CO2 concentration vs. photosynthesis rate Signup and view all the answers

Evaluate the following experiment: A student uses two plants to measure the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis. One plant is placed in full sunlight, and the other is placed in a dark room. Both are given the same amount of water and CO2. What is the major flaw in this experiment, and how could it be improved?

The major flaw is the absence of a control group under consistent moderate light. To improve, add a plant exposed to intermediate light levels as a control. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist hypothesizes that increased atmospheric CO2 levels are causing ocean acidification. Which variable would best represent the control group in their experiment?

Water samples with natural CO2 levels Signup and view all the answers

A graph shows a steady rise in atmospheric CO2 levels alongside a decrease in ocean pH levels. What conclusion can be drawn from this data?

Increased CO2 levels are correlated with lower pH, leading to acidification. Signup and view all the answers

Design a controlled experiment to investigate the effect of temperature on CO2 absorption in the ocean. Identify the hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, control group, and constants.

Hypothesis: Higher temperatures decrease CO2 absorption in oceans. Independent Variable: Temperature of the water samples. Dependent Variable: Amount of CO2 absorbed. Control Group: Water samples at a constant baseline temperature. Constants: CO2 concentration in the air, water volume, and duration of exposure. Signup and view all the answers

A global climate model predicts a 2°C increase in average global temperature by 2100. How should this data be best represented to evaluate its impact on polar ice caps?

Line graph showing temperature rise over time and polar ice loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

Using sunlight or chemicals to produce energy-rich compounds Signup and view all the answers

A unicellular autotroph generates 5,000 kcal of energy via photosynthesis. If a heterotroph consumes the autotroph, how much energy would the heterotroph store?

500 kcal Signup and view all the answers

Explain how energy flow through an ecosystem depends on autotrophs and heterotrophs. Use an example to describe the relationship between energy production and consumption.

Autotrophs (e.g., plants) capture sunlight and store it as chemical energy, while heterotrophs (e.g., herbivores) consume autotrophs to obtain energy. The energy decreases as it moves through the food chain due to metabolic loss. Signup and view all the answers

How do autotrophs contribute to the cycling of carbon in an ecosystem?

By using carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to produce glucose Signup and view all the answers

Design a diagram or flowchart to model how autotrophs and heterotrophs interact in the cycling of carbon through photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Include arrows showing carbon dioxide entering autotrophs during photosynthesis, being converted into glucose, and released back into the atmosphere during cellular respiration by both autotrophs and heterotrophs. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist observes a multicellular heterotroph consuming unicellular autotrophs in a pond. Identify the processes of photosynthesis and respiration occurring in this ecosystem and explain how carbon moves between the organisms and the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis in autotrophs removes CO2 from the atmosphere. Heterotrophs release CO2 back during respiration, creating a continuous carbon cycle. Signup and view all the answers

How might the extinction of multicellular autotrophs impact global carbon cycling and climate change?

It would increase atmospheric carbon dioxide, intensifying climate change. Signup and view all the answers

A graph shows a significant decrease in global plant biomass over 50 years. Describe the impact this trend might have on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures.

Decreased plant biomass leads to reduced photosynthesis, resulting in higher atmospheric CO2 levels and increased global temperatures due to enhanced greenhouse effects. Signup and view all the answers

A unicellular autotroph population in the ocean is declining due to increased ocean acidity. Predict the impact on global carbon cycling and explain how this change could affect climate systems.

A decline in autotrophs reduces carbon fixation, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels. This exacerbates global warming and affects marine ecosystems, such as coral bleaching. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the energy requirements of multicellular heterotrophs contribute to their carbon emissions and how these emissions impact climate change.

Multicellular heterotrophs require energy from consuming autotrophs or other heterotrophs. Cellular respiration releases CO2, contributing to greenhouse gas accumulation and climate warming. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is studying whether a newly discovered organism is living. Which characteristic would confirm it is alive?

It reproduces and maintains energy balance. Signup and view all the answers

A unicellular organism grows and reproduces but does not consume energy. Is this organism living or nonliving? Use GRACE characteristics to justify your answer.

It is nonliving because all living organisms require energy. GRACE (Growth, Reproduction, Adaptation, Cells, Energy) must all be met. Signup and view all the answers

A sample from Mars contains particles that appear to reproduce and adapt to environmental changes but lack cellular structure. What evidence would you need to classify these particles as living or nonliving?

Evidence of cellular structure and energy utilization would confirm they are living, as they must meet all GRACE criteria. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist observes that the population of rabbits in a habitat increases exponentially until food becomes scarce. What is the most likely limiting factor?

Food availability Signup and view all the answers

The graph below shows logistic growth for a deer population in a forest. What does the horizontal line near the top of the curve represent?

Carrying capacity Signup and view all the answers

Using the graph of a species' population growth, identify the point where the population begins to stabilize and explain why this occurs.

Stabilization occurs at the carrying capacity, where limiting factors like food, space, or predation balance population growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between abiotic and biotic factors in the carbon cycle?

Biotic factors release carbon into abiotic reservoirs through respiration. Signup and view all the answers

Design a simple model showing how carbon cycling in an ecosystem is influenced by biotic factors like predators and prey and abiotic factors like soil and atmosphere.

Include processes like respiration, photosynthesis, and decomposition, with arrows connecting predators, prey, and carbon reservoirs (e.g., atmosphere and soil). Signup and view all the answers

A forest ecosystem is near its carrying capacity. Predict what might happen to predator and prey populations if climate change reduces the availability of water in the ecosystem.

Both predator and prey populations will decline due to decreased resources. Signup and view all the answers

A desert ecosystem's carrying capacity for a rodent species has decreased due to prolonged droughts caused by climate change. What are two limiting factors likely causing this change, and how could it affect the population dynamics of predators relying on this rodent?

Limiting factors could include water availability and food scarcity. Predator populations may decline as their prey becomes less abundant, disrupting the food web. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent limiting factor?

Competition for food Signup and view all the answers

The graph below shows a population undergoing exponential growth. What would most likely cause the population to shift to logistic growth?

Introduction of limiting factors Signup and view all the answers

Describe how competition for resources impacts carrying capacity and provide an example from a specific ecosystem.

Competition reduces available resources, limiting population growth. For example, in a forest, deer may compete for food like shrubs, limiting how many individuals the ecosystem can support. Signup and view all the answers

A predator-prey graph shows a cyclical relationship between wolves and deer. If a harsh winter reduces the deer population, what impact will this have on the wolf population over time?

Wolf populations will decline due to reduced prey availability. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist measures the population of fish in a lake over ten years. She notices the population fluctuates around a specific value but never exceeds it for long. What is this specific value called?

Carrying capacity Signup and view all the answers

Explain how abiotic factors like water availability and temperature can influence the carrying capacity of an ecosystem.

Water availability and temperature affect resource availability, habitat suitability, and reproduction rates, directly impacting population limits. Signup and view all the answers

In a grassland ecosystem, a drought significantly reduces plant growth. Predict how this might impact the populations of herbivores and predators in the ecosystem.

Herbivore populations will decline due to reduced food, and predator populations will follow as their prey becomes scarcer, leading to potential ecosystem instability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines biodiversity?

The variety of species, genes, and ecosystems in a given area Signup and view all the answers

A rainforest ecosystem contains five species with the following population counts: Species A: 50 individuals Species B: 100 individuals Species C: 25 individuals Species D: 150 individuals Species E: 75 individuals Calculate the Simpson's Index of Diversity and interpret the results to determine whether this ecosystem is highly diverse or not.

Use Simpson's formula D=1-∑n(n-1)N(N−1)D = 1 - rac{ ext{∑}n(n-1)}{N(N-1)}D=1-N(N-1) ext{∑}n(n-1), where nnn is the number of individuals of each species, and NNN is the total number of individuals. Interpret the value to conclude whether the diversity is high. Signup and view all the answers

Compare two ecosystems (a rainforest and a desert) based on biodiversity using quantitative data such as species richness and diversity index values. Explain how these data support claims about energy flow and ecosystem stability.

Signup and view all the answers

A habitat with high biodiversity includes species that contribute to carbon cycling through photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition. How might the extinction of a keystone species affect the ecosystem's ability to cycle carbon?

The extinction of a keystone species could disrupt the balance of photosynthesis and respiration, reducing the ecosystem's carbon sequestration capacity and increasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Signup and view all the answers

How does biodiversity support the cycling of carbon in ecosystems?

By increasing the number of organisms contributing to photosynthesis and respiration Signup and view all the answers

Construct a model showing how species diversity within an ecosystem contributes to the efficient cycling of carbon. Include examples of primary producers, consumers, and decomposers in your explanation.

The model should show primary producers absorbing CO2 via photosynthesis, consumers contributing to carbon release via respiration, and decomposers breaking down organic matter to return carbon to the soil and atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

A biodiversity study shows that habitats with greater species diversity are more resilient to drought and climate change. How could this information be used to forecast the impact of global warming on ecosystems with low biodiversity?

Low-diversity ecosystems are more vulnerable to collapse under changing conditions. Signup and view all the answers

A graph shows a sharp decline in species richness in coral reef ecosystems over the past 50 years. Describe how this trend might affect the reef's ability to act as a carbon sink and its impact on climate regulation.

Reduced species richness can decrease photosynthesis and calcium carbonate deposition in corals, limiting the reef's ability to sequester carbon and exacerbating global warming. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a habitat with low Simpson's Index value?

Low species richness and dominance by one or two species Signup and view all the answers

A graph shows the number of species (species richness) in two ecosystems: Ecosystem A: 25 species Ecosystem B: 10 species Which ecosystem likely has higher biodiversity, and what other factors (e.g., species evenness) would you need to consider to confirm this?

Ecosystem A likely has higher biodiversity, but species evenness and population sizes are needed to calculate Simpson's Index for confirmation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the niche of a top predator in maintaining biodiversity. Use qualitative and quantitative statements to explain how its presence or absence affects species richness and ecosystem stability.

Top predators regulate prey populations, preventing overconsumption of primary producers. Quantitatively, this maintains species richness and reduces competitive exclusion. Signup and view all the answers

In a prairie ecosystem, the following species populations are recorded: Species A: 10 Species B: 20 Species C: 30 Species D: 40 Calculate the diversity index using Simpson's formula and determine whether the ecosystem is highly diverse.

Use D=1-∑n(n-1)N(N−1)D = 1 - rac{ ext{∑}n(n-1)}{N(N-1)}D=1-N(N−1) ext{∑}n(n-1), where nnn is the population size for each species, and N=100N = 100N=100 (total individuals). Signup and view all the answers

A habitat experiences extinction of three species, reducing its biodiversity index. Predict the possible consequences for ecosystem services like carbon cycling, water purification, and soil stability.

Reduced biodiversity may impair ecosystem services. For example, fewer plant species could reduce carbon absorption, while loss of decomposers might slow nutrient cycling. Signup and view all the answers

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

10% Signup and view all the answers

If the primary producers in an ecosystem produce 20,000 kcal of energy, how much energy would likely be available to secondary consumers?

200 kcal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient?

Most energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which group in a food web is responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy?

Primary producers Signup and view all the answers

How does photosynthesis contribute to the flow of energy through trophic levels?

It stores sunlight as chemical energy in primary producers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Multiple Choice Questions

A scientist studying energy transfer in a pond ecosystem measures the energy content in phytoplankton, small fish, and large fish. The dependent variable is the energy content at each trophic level.
To calculate the energy transfer efficiency between small fish and large fish, use the following formula: (Energy content of large fish / Energy content of small fish) * 100%. Calculations using data provided from the study show 10% is transferred.
The independent variable in an experiment to test the impact of a fertilizer on aquatic plant energy production is the type or amount of fertilizer. The dependent variable is the energy production by aquatic plants, measured in kcal. The control group is plants with no fertilizer. Constants include light levels, water temperature, and species of plants.
In a controlled experiment on the carbon cycle, the rate of photosynthesis measured in plants best represents the independent variable.
A line graph showing CO2 concentration versus photosynthesis rate is the best type of graph to represent the data in an experiment investigating how increased carbon dioxide levels affect the rate of photosynthesis in plants.
In a controlled experiment, the major flaw is the absence of a control group under consistent moderate light. To improve, include a plant exposed to intermediate light levels as a control.
The control group in an experiment hypothesizing that increased atmospheric CO2 levels cause ocean acidification is water samples with natural CO2 levels.
A graph showing a steady rise in atmospheric CO2 levels alongside a decrease in ocean pH levels indicates that increased CO2 levels are correlated with lower pH, leading to acidification.
The hypothesis for an experiment investigating the effect of temperature on CO2 absorption in the ocean is that higher temperatures decrease CO2 absorption in oceans. The independent variable is the temperature of the water samples. The dependent variable is the amount of CO2 absorbed. The control group is water samples at a constant baseline temperature. Constants are CO2 concentration in the air, water volume, and duration of exposure.
A global climate model predicting a 2°C increase in average global temperature by 2100 should be presented as a line graph showing temperature rise over time and polar ice loss. This illustrates the relationship between the two and provides a detailed graphical representation.

Data Interpretation and Short Answer Questions

A unicellular autotroph producing 5,000 kcal of energy via photosynthesis would result in 500 kcal being stored by a heterotroph consuming the autotroph.
Autotrophs (e.g., plants) capture sunlight and store it as chemical energy, while heterotrophs (e.g., herbivores) consume autotrophs to obtain energy. The energy decreases as it moves through the food chain primarily due to metabolic loss.
Autotrophs contribute to carbon cycling in an ecosystem by using carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to produce glucose.
In a pond ecosystem, the process of photosynthesis by autotrophs removes CO2 from the atmosphere. Heterotrophs release CO2 back during respiration, producing an ongoing carbon cycle.
Extinction of multicellular autotrophs would increase atmospheric carbon dioxide, intensifying climate change.
Decreased plant biomass for 50 years leads to reduced photosynthesis, resulting in higher atmospheric CO2 levels and increased global temperatures due to enhanced greenhouse effects.
A decline in autotrophs due to increased ocean acidity will reduce carbon fixation, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels, and exacerbating global warming, and negatively affecting marine ecosystems such as coral bleaching.
Multicellular heterotrophs require energy from consuming autotrophs or other heterotrophs, contributing to greenhouse gas accumulation and climate warming as cellular respiration releases CO2 into the atmosphere.
An organism reproducing and maintaining energy balance confirms it is alive.
A habitat experiencing increases exponentially in rabbits until food becomes scarce likely has food availability as the limiting factor.

Graph Analysis

The horizontal line near the top of a logistic growth curve for a deer population in a forest represents the carrying capacity.
Stabilization of a population occurs at the carrying capacity, where limiting factors (e.g., food, space, or predation) balance population growth.

Skills-Based Questions: Carrying Capacity and Population Dynamics

An example of a density-dependent limiting factor is competition for food. (Other options like drought and temperature are considered density-independent.)
Increasing limiting factors can cause a population to shift from exponential growth to logistic growth.

Integrated Questions Across Standards

Reduced species richness can decrease photosynthesis and calcium carbonate deposition in corals, limiting the reef's ability to sequester carbon and exacerbating global warming.
Ecosystems with higher species diversity are more resilient to droughts and climate change. Lower biodiversity makes ecosystems more vulnerable to collapse under changing conditions.
Top predators regulate prey populations, preventing overconsumption of primary producers, thereby maintaining species richness. This is a quantitative measurement that illustrates a key role of top predators in maintaining biodiversity.

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Description

Test your understanding of energy transfer in ecosystems with this quiz. You will explore concepts such as trophic levels, dependent and independent variables in experiments, and the impacts of fertilizers on energy production in aquatic plants. This knowledge is essential for studying ecological dynamics and ecosystem management.