Ecosystem Components and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary components that define an ecosystem?

Biotic and abiotic components (correct)
Energy and matter
Producers and consumers
Herbivores and carnivores

Which process is the main source of energy for ecosystems?

Photosynthesis (correct)
Decomposition
Nitrogen fixation
Respiration

Which type of forest is recognized for having the greatest biodiversity?

Boreal forests
Tropical rainforests (correct)
Mangrove forests
Temperate forests

What is the primary limiting factor affecting desert ecosystems?

<p>Rainfall (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ecosystem is famously referred to as the "lungs of the Earth"?

<p>Tropical rainforests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biotic components

All the living things in an ecosystem. This includes plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.

Abiotic components

All the non-living things in an ecosystem. This includes things like water, air, soil, and sunlight.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food. This process is the primary energy source for most ecosystems.

Tropical rainforest

The forest type with the highest biodiversity, found in tropical regions with high rainfall and warm temperatures.

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Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that are the primary producers in oceanic ecosystems. They form the base of the marine food web.

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Study Notes

Ecosystem Components

Ecosystems are composed of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
These components interact and influence each other in complex ways.

Primary Energy Source

Photosynthesis is the primary energy source for most ecosystems.
Through photosynthesis, producers capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy in the form of sugars.

Biodiversity and Forest Types

Tropical rainforests have the highest biodiversity among forest types.
They support a vast array of plant and animal species.

Desert Ecosystem Limiting Factor

Rainfall is the primary limiting factor in desert ecosystems.
Limited rainfall restricts plant growth and the types of organisms that can survive there.

Ecosystem Roles and Examples

Tropical rainforests are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" due to their significant role in atmospheric oxygen production.
Phytoplankton are the primary producers in oceanic ecosystems, forming the base of the food web.