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?

    <p>Steady state equilibrium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of ecosystem ecology?

    <p>The interactions between organisms and their environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Abiotic pools</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To power the life processes of different organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do producers acquire the energy they use?

    <p>From the sun in the form of light</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is the primary role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

    <p>To break down organic matter into inorganic compounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>They facilitate the transfer of matter between biotic and abiotic components</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Carnivores</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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