Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of an ecosystem in equilibrium?
What is the primary characteristic of an ecosystem in equilibrium?
- Relies primarily on external inputs and outputs
- Characterized by frequent disturbance
- Dominated by internal recycling of elements (correct)
- Exhibits a trend in inputs and outputs over time
Which of the following is NOT considered a function of an ecosystem?
Which of the following is NOT considered a function of an ecosystem?
- Supporting life systems and rendering stability
- Cycling nutrients between biotic and abiotic components
- Maintaining a balance among trophic levels (correct)
- Regulating essential ecological processes
What is the primary distinction between an ecosystem in equilibrium and one in non-equilibrium?
What is the primary distinction between an ecosystem in equilibrium and one in non-equilibrium?
- The presence or absence of methanogens
- The rate of internal recycling of elements
- The occurrence of disturbance as a natural component (correct)
- The trend in inputs and outputs to the system over time
Which of the following terms best describes the state of an ecosystem where the balance between inputs and outputs shows no trend over time?
Which of the following terms best describes the state of an ecosystem where the balance between inputs and outputs shows no trend over time?
What is the primary focus of ecosystem ecology?
What is the primary focus of ecosystem ecology?
Which of the following is NOT considered a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
Which of the following is NOT considered a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
What is the main purpose of the energy flow in an ecosystem?
What is the main purpose of the energy flow in an ecosystem?
How do producers acquire the energy they use?
How do producers acquire the energy they use?
What happens to the energy that is not used by producers?
What happens to the energy that is not used by producers?
What is the primary distinction between a food chain and a food web?
What is the primary distinction between a food chain and a food web?
What is the main characteristic of an ecosystem in thermodynamic equilibrium?
What is the main characteristic of an ecosystem in thermodynamic equilibrium?
What is the primary role of detritivores in an ecosystem?
What is the primary role of detritivores in an ecosystem?
What is the primary reason for the decrease in available energy as you move up the energy pyramid?
What is the primary reason for the decrease in available energy as you move up the energy pyramid?
Which of the following best describes the role of biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems?
Which of the following best describes the role of biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems?
Which of the following consumers would be found at the highest trophic level in a typical food chain?
Which of the following consumers would be found at the highest trophic level in a typical food chain?
What is the primary difference between a food chain and a food web?
What is the primary difference between a food chain and a food web?
