Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the context of ecosystem structure, what does 'topology' primarily describe?
In the context of ecosystem structure, what does 'topology' primarily describe?
- The total number of species present in an ecosystem.
- The spatial arrangement of species within a habitat.
- The physical and chemical components of the environment.
- The conceptual relationships and connections between different populations. (correct)
'Geometry' in ecological structure refers to the functional roles organisms play within their environment.
'Geometry' in ecological structure refers to the functional roles organisms play within their environment.
False (B)
Define 'physical reality' in the context of ecosystem structure, and give an example.
Define 'physical reality' in the context of ecosystem structure, and give an example.
Physical reality refers to the tangible, observable aspects of an ecosystem, such as the actual organisms and their environment in a specific location. An example would be a forest with its trees, soil, and animal populations in a geographical area.
In an ecosystem, _________ are organisms that sequester energy, typically through photosynthesis.
In an ecosystem, _________ are organisms that sequester energy, typically through photosynthesis.
Match the functional roles in an ecosystem with their primary actions:
Match the functional roles in an ecosystem with their primary actions:
Which of the following best describes the role of detritivores and symbiotic microbes in an ecosystem?
Which of the following best describes the role of detritivores and symbiotic microbes in an ecosystem?
Consumers in an ecosystem are responsible for sequestering energy and nutrients.
Consumers in an ecosystem are responsible for sequestering energy and nutrients.
Explain how parasites contribute to the functioning of an ecosystem.
Explain how parasites contribute to the functioning of an ecosystem.
Systems ecology utilizes a '_________ approach' to study ecosystems, focusing on inputs and outputs.
Systems ecology utilizes a '_________ approach' to study ecosystems, focusing on inputs and outputs.
What is the primary focus when measuring inputs and outputs in systems ecology?
What is the primary focus when measuring inputs and outputs in systems ecology?
Positive feedback is the primary mechanism for homeostatic control in ecosystems.
Positive feedback is the primary mechanism for homeostatic control in ecosystems.
Describe how negative feedback operates in the nitrogen cycle as depicted in the content.
Describe how negative feedback operates in the nitrogen cycle as depicted in the content.
__________ is the ability of a system to return to its original structure and functioning after a disturbance.
__________ is the ability of a system to return to its original structure and functioning after a disturbance.
What distinguishes a 'stable' ecosystem from an 'unstable' one in terms of resilience?
What distinguishes a 'stable' ecosystem from an 'unstable' one in terms of resilience?
Resistance in an ecosystem refers to the degree of change it undergoes when subjected to a disturbance.
Resistance in an ecosystem refers to the degree of change it undergoes when subjected to a disturbance.
Explain the difference between 'resistance' and 'flexibility' in the context of ecosystem stability.
Explain the difference between 'resistance' and 'flexibility' in the context of ecosystem stability.
An ecosystem that is high in resilience and high in resistance is described as __________.
An ecosystem that is high in resilience and high in resistance is described as __________.
Which of the following analogies best describes a 'brittle' ecosystem?
Which of the following analogies best describes a 'brittle' ecosystem?
A 'fragile' ecosystem is characterized by high resilience and low resistance.
A 'fragile' ecosystem is characterized by high resilience and low resistance.
Where would a 'Temperate Forest' likely fall on the resilience-resistance matrix and why?
Where would a 'Temperate Forest' likely fall on the resilience-resistance matrix and why?
The example of adult cod, juvenile cod, capelin, benthic invertebrates, and zooplankton illustrates an example of a(n) __________ system.
The example of adult cod, juvenile cod, capelin, benthic invertebrates, and zooplankton illustrates an example of a(n) __________ system.
What is 'niche construction' as exemplified by Calluna?
What is 'niche construction' as exemplified by Calluna?
Calluna's creation of tannic acid soil benefits grasses by providing them with essential nutrients.
Calluna's creation of tannic acid soil benefits grasses by providing them with essential nutrients.
How does Calluna constructing its niche influence the community of pollinators and microbes?
How does Calluna constructing its niche influence the community of pollinators and microbes?
According to the content, inspiration for characterizing and quantifying an ecosystem's structure is taken from the field of __________.
According to the content, inspiration for characterizing and quantifying an ecosystem's structure is taken from the field of __________.
Flashcards
Ecosystem Structure
Ecosystem Structure
The arrangement and interrelation of parts in a system, influencing its function. Like an engine's components.
Topology (Ecology)
Topology (Ecology)
The conceptual links and relationships between species or other elements in an ecological structure.
Geometry (Ecology)
Geometry (Ecology)
The spatial arrangement of elements within an ecosystem structure. Describes physical space and arrangement of elements.
Systems Ecology
Systems Ecology
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Negative Feedback
Negative Feedback
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Resilience
Resilience
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Resistance
Resistance
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Robust System
Robust System
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Flexible System
Flexible System
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Fragile System
Fragile System
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Brittle System
Brittle System
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Niche Construction
Niche Construction
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Autotrophs
Autotrophs
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Detritivores
Detritivores
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Consumers
Consumers
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Parasites
Parasites
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Study Notes
- In ecosystem structure, each circle represents a population.
Engineering Structure
- Structure considers topology, geometry and physical reality.
- Topology: the conceptual relationships
- Geometry: the spatial arrangement
Ecological Structure
- Ecological structure can be viewed through the lenses of topology, geometry, and physical reality.
- Topology relates to conceptual relationships.
- Geometry relates to spatial arrangement.
Broad Functional Roles
- Autotrophs take in energy.
- Detritivores and symbiotic microbes sequester and cycle nutrients.
- Consumers dissipate energy and nutrients.
- Parasites regulate the system.
Generalised Organism
- Ecosystem functions are similar to the broad functional roles of a generalized organism
- Gut/chloroplast handles energy, similar to energy input in an organism.
- Gut processes nutrients.
- Liver is responsible for chemical processing, just as waste is similar to waste.
- Gonad is responsible for reproduction just as regulation relates to endocrine activities.
Community vs Cell
- A community and a cell share system commonalities, despite being different living systems.
Niche Construction
- Calluna creates tannic acid soil, which reduces grasses.
- Calluna recruits specialist microbiota in soil and ruminant guts.
- This creates specialist communities including pollinators and microbes.
Ecosystem Structure
- Ecosystem structure can be characterized and quantified using inspiration from engineering.
Systems Ecology
- Systems Ecology uses "black box" to analyze ecosystems.
- Ecosystems receive inputs, then radiate heat as an output, with feedback loops in place.
- Ecosystems demonstrate homeostatic control through negative feedback.
Negative Feedback
- Negative feedback helps systems maintain stability.
- There is a correlation between inputs and outputs.
Nitrogen Negative Feedback
- Plants and decomposers influence organic nitrogen levels positively.
- Waste nitrogen comes from decomposing sources.
- Plants are positively influenced by organic nitrogen and decomposers but are negatively influenced by herbivores.
- Herbivores are positively influenced by plants and decomposers.
Stability
- Stable systems return to their original form, and their activity is dampened.
- Resilience: the ability of a system to return to its structure and function after a disturbance.
- Unstable systems do not return to a stable form.
Resistance
- Resistance: when a large change moves a system only a small amount.
- Flexible: when a small change moves the system a lot.
Resistance vs Resilience
- Robust systems have high resistance and resilience, like gristle.
- Flexible systems have low resistance and high resilience, like rubber bands.
- Brittle systems have high resistance but low resilience, like glass.
- Fragile systems have low resistance and resilience, like fried egg.
- Gut microbe communities are high in resistance and resilience
- Temperate forests are high in resilience and low resistance
- Marine fish communities have low resilience and high resistance
- Tropical rain forests have low resistance and resilience
Unstable System Example
- An example of an unstable system involves adult cod, capelin, juvenile cod, benthic invertebrates, and Zoop.
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