Ecosystem and Earth's Spheres Quiz

Ecosystem

• An ecosystem is a system that consists of interacting organisms and abiotic pools linking together.

Biotic and Abiotic Factors

• Biotic factors: living things
• Abiotic factors: non-living things

The Four Spheres of the Earth

• Atmosphere: a mixture of gases
• Biosphere: the zone of inhabitation (where all living things can be found or reside)
• Lithosphere: the solid outermost layer of the earth (interchangeable with the term Geosphere, which is a broader term)
• Hydrosphere: water

Weathering and Precipitation

• Weathering: the process of breaking down or dissolving of minerals or rocks
• Precipitation: rain

Structure of Ecosystem

Biotic Components

• Producers
• Consumers: herbivores, carnivores, omnivores
• Decomposers

Abiotic Components

• Air
• Soil
• Sunlight
• Water

Ecosystem Processes and Dynamics

• Ecosystem processes are constantly changing due to fluctuations in the environment and activities of organisms on time scales ranging from microseconds to millions of years
• The ecosystem is an ecological system formed from the reciprocal relationship between living things and the surrounding environment

Evolution and Extinction

• Evolution: the process of change in the physical characteristics of organisms over time
• Extinction: the process of an organism dying out due to the inability of the environment to provide the necessary energy or food

Methanogens

• An example of bacteria that produces potent greenhouse gases and has a high energy level
• Can solve dual humanity problems: climate change and energy shortage

Ecosystem in Equilibrium

• A largely closed system dominated by internal recycling of elements
• Factors such as spacious interaction, climate, side condition, and nutrient availability are in harmony
• Equilibrium is subject to gradual changes due to natural processes like succession

Ecosystem in Non-Equilibrium

• Disturbance is a natural component of ecosystem dynamics
• Examples of disturbances: storms, fires, droughts, human activity

Steady State Equilibrium

• A balance between inputs and outputs to the system shows no trend with time
• Two parameters: resistance and resilience
• Resistance: the ability of an ecosystem to remain in equilibrium in spite of disturbances
• Resilience: the speed at which an ecosystem recovers its equilibrium after being disturbed

Ecosystem Ecology

• Addresses the interactions between organisms and their environment as an integrated system
• Ecology: a broader term that studies ecosystems
• Ecosystem: a subpart or unit of community organisms

Functions of an Ecosystem

• Regulates essential ecological processes, supports life systems, and renders stability
• Responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components
• Maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem
• Cycles minerals through the biosphere
• Abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that involves the exchange of energy

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

• Energy flows while nutrients cycle
• Energy is the ability to do work or heat objects
• Potential energy: energy at rest
• Kinetic energy: energy in motion
• Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only changed from one form to another

Test your knowledge about ecosystems, biotic and abiotic factors, and the four spheres of the Earth including atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Explore concepts such as weathering and the interactions between living organisms and their environment.