Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why does grouping ecosystems into broad biome categories sometimes present a challenge?
Why does grouping ecosystems into broad biome categories sometimes present a challenge?
- It accurately represents the biodiversity within those ecosystems.
- It obscures the diversity of individual ecosystems contained within them. (correct)
- It highlights the similarities between geographically distant ecosystems.
- It simplifies ecological studies, enhancing accuracy.
Which scenario best illustrates ecological succession following a natural disturbance?
Which scenario best illustrates ecological succession following a natural disturbance?
- A river ecosystem maintains a constant fish population despite seasonal floods.
- A forest remains unchanged after a mild drought.
- A forest fire leads to grasses, then shrubs, and eventually mature trees over time. (correct)
- A grassland quickly transforms into a desert due to overgrazing.
How do ecologists define 'equilibrium' in the context of an ecosystem?
How do ecologists define 'equilibrium' in the context of an ecosystem?
- A condition where the number of species consistently increases.
- A state where the ecosystem remains entirely unchanged.
- A static condition with no species turnover.
- A dynamic state where biodiversity remains relatively constant despite changes. (correct)
What does 'resistance' measure in an ecosystem?
What does 'resistance' measure in an ecosystem?
Which of the following human activities would most likely lead to a decrease in both the resistance and resilience of an ecosystem?
Which of the following human activities would most likely lead to a decrease in both the resistance and resilience of an ecosystem?
In which scenario would an ecosystem be considered to have lost its resilience?
In which scenario would an ecosystem be considered to have lost its resilience?
Which of the following disturbances is most likely to lead to succession?
Which of the following disturbances is most likely to lead to succession?
How do 'resistance' and 'resilience' work together in an ecosystem?
How do 'resistance' and 'resilience' work together in an ecosystem?
Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to influence the composition of a biological community within an ecosystem?
Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to influence the composition of a biological community within an ecosystem?
If a new species that consumes a large amount of phytoplankton is introduced to a marine ecosystem, what is the most likely initial consequence?
If a new species that consumes a large amount of phytoplankton is introduced to a marine ecosystem, what is the most likely initial consequence?
Which of the following biomes is primarily defined by the presence of specific dominant plant types adapted to similar climatic conditions across various geographic regions?
Which of the following biomes is primarily defined by the presence of specific dominant plant types adapted to similar climatic conditions across various geographic regions?
In an ecosystem with limited sunlight, such as a deep ocean environment, what is a primary challenge for organisms?
In an ecosystem with limited sunlight, such as a deep ocean environment, what is a primary challenge for organisms?
Which of the following ecosystems would you expect to have the LOWEST biodiversity, considering the factors that influence species survival?
Which of the following ecosystems would you expect to have the LOWEST biodiversity, considering the factors that influence species survival?
What percentage of all photosynthesis on Earth is performed by phytoplankton?
What percentage of all photosynthesis on Earth is performed by phytoplankton?
Which of the following statements accurately contrasts freshwater and marine ecosystems?
Which of the following statements accurately contrasts freshwater and marine ecosystems?
What is the primary criterion used to define terrestrial biomes?
What is the primary criterion used to define terrestrial biomes?
Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in a food chain?
Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in a food chain?
In a food chain, which trophic level typically has the LEAST amount of available energy?
In a food chain, which trophic level typically has the LEAST amount of available energy?
Why are food chains considered to be overly simplistic representations of ecosystem structure?
Why are food chains considered to be overly simplistic representations of ecosystem structure?
What is the role of photosynthetic organisms in a food chain?
What is the role of photosynthetic organisms in a food chain?
If a primary consumer consumes 500 J of energy from producers, approximately how much energy is likely to be available to secondary consumers?
If a primary consumer consumes 500 J of energy from producers, approximately how much energy is likely to be available to secondary consumers?
Which statement best describes the relationship between trophic levels and the biomass they can support?
Which statement best describes the relationship between trophic levels and the biomass they can support?
Which of the following is an example of a tertiary consumer?
Which of the following is an example of a tertiary consumer?
If the Chinook salmon is the apex consumer, what statement is always true?
If the Chinook salmon is the apex consumer, what statement is always true?
In the hydrothermal vent ecosystem described, what is the primary energy source that supports life in the absence of sunlight?
In the hydrothermal vent ecosystem described, what is the primary energy source that supports life in the absence of sunlight?
Which characteristic of a toxin is most likely to cause biomagnification in an ecosystem?
Which characteristic of a toxin is most likely to cause biomagnification in an ecosystem?
Why were apex consumers, such as bald eagles, particularly vulnerable to the effects of DDT?
Why were apex consumers, such as bald eagles, particularly vulnerable to the effects of DDT?
What was the primary effect of DDT on bald eagles that led to their listing as an endangered species?
What was the primary effect of DDT on bald eagles that led to their listing as an endangered species?
Based on the Saginaw Bay study, if phytoplankton had a PCB concentration of 1 ppm, and the walleye had a concentration of over 4 ppm, what can be inferred about the other fish species in the ecosystem?
Based on the Saginaw Bay study, if phytoplankton had a PCB concentration of 1 ppm, and the walleye had a concentration of over 4 ppm, what can be inferred about the other fish species in the ecosystem?
Considering the different bans mentioned for DDT and PCBs, what is a likely reason for governments to ban the use of certain chemicals?
Considering the different bans mentioned for DDT and PCBs, what is a likely reason for governments to ban the use of certain chemicals?
If a new persistent toxin is introduced into an aquatic ecosystem, which of the following would be the most effective strategy to minimize its biomagnification?
If a new persistent toxin is introduced into an aquatic ecosystem, which of the following would be the most effective strategy to minimize its biomagnification?
How might the study of biomagnification in ecosystems inform decisions about human consumption of seafood?
How might the study of biomagnification in ecosystems inform decisions about human consumption of seafood?
Which statement accurately describes the flow of energy through an ecosystem?
Which statement accurately describes the flow of energy through an ecosystem?
If gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is 1000 kcal/m²/year, and the respiration by producers is 300 kcal/m²/year, what is the net primary productivity?
If gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is 1000 kcal/m²/year, and the respiration by producers is 300 kcal/m²/year, what is the net primary productivity?
In ecosystems lacking sunlight, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, what type of organism serves as the primary producer?
In ecosystems lacking sunlight, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, what type of organism serves as the primary producer?
Why are autotrophs considered essential for the survival of most ecosystems?
Why are autotrophs considered essential for the survival of most ecosystems?
Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP)?
Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP)?
Which environment is most likely to be dominated by chemoautotrophs?
Which environment is most likely to be dominated by chemoautotrophs?
If the net primary productivity of a grassland ecosystem is 500 kcal/m²/year, what does this value represent?
If the net primary productivity of a grassland ecosystem is 500 kcal/m²/year, what does this value represent?
What is the primary role of photoautotrophs in an ecosystem?
What is the primary role of photoautotrophs in an ecosystem?
Which of the following statements best describes the key difference between a grazing food web and a detrital food web?
Which of the following statements best describes the key difference between a grazing food web and a detrital food web?
In a food web, what is the primary role of decomposers like fungi and bacteria?
In a food web, what is the primary role of decomposers like fungi and bacteria?
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a holistic model of an ecosystem?
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a holistic model of an ecosystem?
If a pesticide drastically reduces the population of beetles in a food web, which of the following is the most likely short-term consequence?
If a pesticide drastically reduces the population of beetles in a food web, which of the following is the most likely short-term consequence?
How do detritivores contribute to nutrient cycling in an ecosystem?
How do detritivores contribute to nutrient cycling in an ecosystem?
Imagine a scenario where a new, highly efficient predator is introduced into an ecosystem. This predator primarily consumes herbivores. What is the most likely long-term impact on the producer population in that ecosystem?
Imagine a scenario where a new, highly efficient predator is introduced into an ecosystem. This predator primarily consumes herbivores. What is the most likely long-term impact on the producer population in that ecosystem?
Consider an ecosystem with a grazing food web and a detrital food web. If a pollutant that inhibits photosynthesis is introduced, which component of the ecosystem would be most immediately affected?
Consider an ecosystem with a grazing food web and a detrital food web. If a pollutant that inhibits photosynthesis is introduced, which component of the ecosystem would be most immediately affected?
In an ecosystem, a disease drastically reduces the population of a keystone predator. What is the most likely long-term consequence for the ecosystem's food web?
In an ecosystem, a disease drastically reduces the population of a keystone predator. What is the most likely long-term consequence for the ecosystem's food web?
Flashcards
Food Chain
Food Chain
A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.
Trophic Level
Trophic Level
The position an organism occupies in a food chain or food web.
Producers
Producers
Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis (e.g., plants, algae).
Primary Consumers
Primary Consumers
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Secondary Consumers
Secondary Consumers
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Tertiary Consumers
Tertiary Consumers
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Apex Consumer
Apex Consumer
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Energy Loss in Food Chains
Energy Loss in Food Chains
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Disturbance
Disturbance
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Succession
Succession
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Equilibrium
Equilibrium
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Resistance
Resistance
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Resilience
Resilience
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Ecosystem exposure
Ecosystem exposure
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Environmental disturbances
Environmental disturbances
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Impacts on ecosystems
Impacts on ecosystems
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Holistic Ecosystem Model
Holistic Ecosystem Model
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Food Web
Food Web
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Grazing Food Web
Grazing Food Web
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Detrital Food Web
Detrital Food Web
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Decomposers
Decomposers
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Detritivores
Detritivores
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Energy Acquisition
Energy Acquisition
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ATP
ATP
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Energy Input Importance
Energy Input Importance
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Food-Web Diagrams
Food-Web Diagrams
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Autotrophs
Autotrophs
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Heterotrophs
Heterotrophs
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Photoautotrophs
Photoautotrophs
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Chemoautotrophs
Chemoautotrophs
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Gross Primary Productivity
Gross Primary Productivity
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Net Primary Productivity
Net Primary Productivity
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Ecosystem
Ecosystem
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Freshwater Ecosystems
Freshwater Ecosystems
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Marine Ecosystems
Marine Ecosystems
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Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton
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Terrestrial Ecosystems
Terrestrial Ecosystems
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Biome
Biome
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Ecology
Ecology
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Limited Resources
Limited Resources
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Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Ecosystems
Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Ecosystems
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Biomagnification
Biomagnification
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Lipid-soluble toxins
Lipid-soluble toxins
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DDT
DDT
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PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl)
PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl)
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Walleye
Walleye
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Study Notes
- An ecosystem comprises a community of organisms interacting with their abiotic environment.
- Ecosystems range in size from small tide pools to large rainforests like the Amazon.
- Ecosystems are broadly categorized as freshwater, marine, or terrestrial.
- Within these categories, specific ecosystem types exist based on habitat and organisms.
Ecology of Ecosystems
- Organism existence in a particular environment determined by numerous variables.
- Competition for limited resources occurs within and between species in an ecosystem for items such as food, water, sunlight, space and nutrients.
- Climate, elevation, and geology influence biological communities.
Types of Ecosystems
- Freshwater ecosystems are the least common, making up only 1.8% of Earth's surface, including lakes, rivers, streams, and springs.
- Freshwater ecosystems are diverse and support animals, plants, fungi, protists, and prokaryotes.
- Marine ecosystems are most common, covering 75% of Earth's surface, consisting of shallow ocean, deep ocean water, and deep ocean bottom environments.
- Shallow ocean ecosystems have biodiverse coral reefs.
- Phytoplankton, small photosynthetic organisms in ocean waters, conduct 40% of all photosynthesis on Earth.
- Deep ocean bottom ecosystems are home to various marine organisms.
- Deep ocean bottom ecosystems are too deep for light to penetrate.
- Terrestrial ecosystems are grouped into biomes.
- A biome is a large-scale community defined by dominant plant types in regions with similar climates.
- Examples of biomes include tropical rainforests, savannas, deserts, grasslands, temperate forests, and tundras.
- Grouping ecosystems into biomes obscures the diversity of individual ecosystems.
Ecosystems and Disturbance
- Ecosystems contain complex, interacting parts, which are routinely exposed to disturbances.
- Disturbances are environmental changes which affect composition, rainfall and temperature.
- Many disturbances are a result of natural processes.
- As an example, lightning which causes a forest fire and destroys part of a forest ecosystem, will lead to the ground being populated with grasses, bushes and shrubs, and later mature trees.
- Succession is a process where a forest is restored to its former state after a disturbance.
- Human activities now cause environmental disturbances as significant as natural processes, including agriculture, pollution, deforestation, overfishing, oil spills, and illegal dumping.
- Equilibrium is a dynamic state where biodiversity remains constant despite changes in species.
- Resistance is the ability of an ecosystem to remain at equilibrium despite disturbances.
- Resilience is the speed at which an ecosystem recovers equilibrium after being disturbed.
- Ecosystem resistance and resilience are important when considering human impact.
- Ecosystems may lose resilience entirely, leading to complete destruction.
Food Chains and Food Webs
- A food chain is a linear sequence where energy passes as one organism eats another.
- Food chains comprise producers, primary consumers, higher-level consumers, and decomposers.
- These levels describe ecosystems in terms of structure and dynamics.
- Photosynthetic organisms (plants or phytoplankton) form the base of the food chain and are called producers.
- Primary consumers are herbivores which consume producers.
- Secondary consumers are usually the carnivores that eat the primary consumers.
- Tertiary consumers are carnivores that eat other carnivores.
- Higher-level consumers feed on the next lower trophic levels, up to the top.
- Energy is lost at each trophic level and between trophic levels as heat, which limits steps in a food chain.
- Food chains are a simplistic way to describe an ecosystem.
- A food web is a holistic model that includes all the interactions between different species and their interconnected relationships
How Organisms Acquire Energy in a Food Web
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Living things require energy in one form or another.
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Energy is acquired by living things in two ways: autotrophs harness light or chemical energy, and heterotrophs acquire energy through the consumption and digestion of other living or previously living organisms.
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Autotrophs synthesize their own food, consuming inorganic carbon as a carbon source.
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Photoautotrophs use sunlight as an energy source.
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Chemoautotrophs use inorganic molecules as an energy source.
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Autotrophs occupy the trophic level containing producers.
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Photoautotrophs, such as plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, are the energy source for most ecosystems.
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Producers incorporate energy from the Sun, known as gross primary productivity.
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Net primary productivity is the energy remaining after the producers' metabolism and heat loss.
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Chemoautotrophs are bacteria and archaea found in rare ecosystems where sunlight is not available such as dark caves or hydrothermal vents.
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Chemoautotrophs in hydrothermal vents use hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a source of chemical energy.
Consequences of Food Webs: Biological Magnification
- Biomagnification is the increasing concentration of persistent, toxic substances in organisms at each successive trophic level, these lipid soluble substances are stored in the fat reserves of each organism.
- DDT caused eggshells of birds to become fragile which is biomagnification.
- Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) is another substance that biomagnifies, which predatory fish species accumulate.
- Other concerns have been raised by the biomagnification of heavy metals, such as mercury and cadmium, in certain types of seafood.
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Description
Ecosystems, from tide pools to rainforests, involve organism communities interacting with their environment. They're categorized as freshwater, marine, or terrestrial, each with diverse habitats. Organism existence in a particular environment determined by numerous variables such as climate and competition for resources.
