Ecosystems Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

  • To convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
  • To break down organic matter into simpler compounds (correct)
  • To consume other organisms for energy
  • To produce nutrients for other organisms

Which type of ecosystem service involves the provision of food, water, and wood?

  • Provisioning Services (correct)
  • Cultural Services
  • Regulating Services
  • Supporting Services

What is the result of habitat destruction in an ecosystem?

  • An introduction of invasive species
  • A loss of natural habitats (correct)
  • A decrease in population size
  • An increase in biodiversity

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

<p>To convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ecosystem is characterized by coral reefs, estuaries, and open ocean?

<p>Marine Ecosystems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of climate change on ecosystems?

<p>An alteration of ecosystem processes and species distributions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Ecosystems

Definition

  • An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other in a specific environment

Components of an Ecosystem

  • Biotic Factors:
    • Producers (plants, algae, phytoplankton): convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
    • Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores): obtain energy by consuming other organisms
    • Decomposers (bacteria, fungi): break down organic matter into simpler compounds
  • Abiotic Factors:
    • Light
    • Temperature
    • Water
    • Soil
    • Air
    • Nutrients

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

  • Producers convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
  • Herbivores feed on producers
  • Carnivores feed on herbivores
  • Omnivores feed on both producers and herbivores
  • Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem

Ecosystem Services

  • Supporting Services: nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production
  • Provisioning Services: food, water, wood, medicinal resources
  • Regulating Services: climate regulation, air and water purification, pest control
  • Cultural Services: recreation, tourism, spiritual enrichment

Types of Ecosystems

  • Terrestrial Ecosystems: forests, grasslands, deserts
  • Freshwater Ecosystems: rivers, lakes, wetlands
  • Marine Ecosystems: coral reefs, estuaries, open ocean
  • Arctic/Antarctic Ecosystems: tundra, ice sheets

Ecosystem Disruption

  • Habitat Destruction: human activities leading to loss of natural habitats
  • Invasive Species: non-native species outcompeting native species for resources
  • Climate Change: altering ecosystem processes and species distributions

Conservation Efforts

  • Protected Areas: national parks, wildlife reserves, conservation areas
  • Sustainable Resource Management: responsible forestry, fishing, and agriculture practices
  • Ecological Restoration: rehabilitating damaged or degraded ecosystems

Ecosystem Definition

  • An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other in a specific environment

Components of an Ecosystem

  • Biotic Factors: living components of an ecosystem
    • Producers (plants, algae, phytoplankton): convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
    • Consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores): obtain energy by consuming other organisms
    • Decomposers (bacteria, fungi): break down organic matter into simpler compounds
  • Abiotic Factors: non-living components of an ecosystem
    • Light
    • Temperature
    • Water
    • Soil
    • Air
    • Nutrients

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

  • Producers convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis
  • Herbivores feed on producers
  • Carnivores feed on herbivores
  • Omnivores feed on both producers and herbivores
  • Decomposers break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem

Ecosystem Services

  • Supporting Services: nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production
  • Provisioning Services: food, water, wood, medicinal resources
  • Regulating Services: climate regulation, air and water purification, pest control
  • Cultural Services: recreation, tourism, spiritual enrichment

Types of Ecosystems

  • Terrestrial Ecosystems: forests, grasslands, deserts
  • Freshwater Ecosystems: rivers, lakes, wetlands
  • Marine Ecosystems: coral reefs, estuaries, open ocean
  • Arctic/Antarctic Ecosystems: tundra, ice sheets

Ecosystem Disruption

  • Habitat Destruction: human activities leading to loss of natural habitats
  • Invasive Species: non-native species outcompeting native species for resources
  • Climate Change: altering ecosystem processes and species distributions

Conservation Efforts

  • Protected Areas: national parks, wildlife reserves, conservation areas
  • Sustainable Resource Management: responsible forestry, fishing, and agriculture practices
  • Ecological Restoration: rehabilitating damaged or degraded ecosystems

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