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Ecosystem Introduction and Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Steady state equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ecosystem ecology?

The interactions between organisms and their environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

Abiotic pools Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the energy flow in an ecosystem?

To power the life processes of different organisms Signup and view all the answers

How do producers acquire the energy they use?

From the sun in the form of light Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the energy that is not used by producers?

It is passed on to organisms that cannot make their own energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between a food chain and a food web?

Food chains represent a single pathway of energy transfer, while food webs represent multiple pathways Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of an ecosystem in thermodynamic equilibrium?

The ecosystem has no net change in energy or matter over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

To break down organic matter into inorganic compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the decrease in available energy as you move up the energy pyramid?

Energy is lost through respiration and waste production at each trophic level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems?

They facilitate the transfer of matter between biotic and abiotic components Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following consumers would be found at the highest trophic level in a typical food chain?

Carnivores Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a food chain and a food web?

A food chain represents a linear sequence of energy transfer, while a food web shows interconnected relationships Signup and view all the answers