Questions and Answers
What defines an ecosystem?
Which of the following ecosystems covers approximately 75% of the Earth's surface?
What is the primary energy source for freshwater ecosystems?
Which zone in the marine ecosystem is characterized by no light?
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What are the main characteristics of tropical forests?
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Which type of biome is defined by less than 50 cm of rainfall annually?
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What is a key feature of estuaries within marine ecosystems?
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In which biome are deciduous trees predominantly found?
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What is the concept of equilibrium in an ecosystem?
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What role do decomposers play in a food chain?
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Study Notes
Ecosystems
- Composed of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
- Defined characteristics allow life to thrive in specific environments.
- Equilibrium refers to the ability to maintain or return to steady-state conditions.
- Three primary types: freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.
Food Chain
- Represents energy flow within ecosystems.
- Nutrients move through interconnected species.
- Decomposers play a vital role in nutrient recycling.
Trophic Levels
- Each species occupies a specific energy role in the ecosystem.
- Species can exist at multiple trophic levels based on their feeding habits.
Freshwater Ecosystems
- Comprise only 2.5% of the Earth's water supply.
- Energy primarily comes from photosynthetic organisms (plants and algae).
- Crucial for human activities: drinking water, recreation, and irrigation.
- Major types include lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands featuring emergent vegetation.
Marine Ecosystem
- Covers approximately 75% of the planet’s surface.
- Phytoplankton serves as the foundational element of the marine food chain.
- Light penetration varies, with the photic zone extending to about 200 meters and the aphotic zone having no light.
- Key marine life zones include:
- Intertidal zone: interface between water and land.
- Coral reefs: rich biodiversity, sometimes exceeding 1000 species per square meter.
- Estuaries: brackish waters where saltwater meets freshwater, requiring species adaptation to fluctuating salinity.
Terrestrial Biomes
- Defined life zones based on vegetation types and climate conditions.
Forests
- Cover an estimated one-third of terrestrial land.
- Account for about 70% of Earth's biomass.
- General types of forests include:
- Tropical: found near the equator, characterized by high water and sunlight, and very high biodiversity.
- Temperate: located in mid-latitudes, dominated by deciduous trees, with a moderate growing season.
- Boreal: situated near the poles, dominated by conifers, featuring short growing seasons and low moisture.
Grasslands
- Mainly exhibit non-woody vegetation; few trees and shrubs.
- Fire plays a critical role in nutrient cycling.
- Include savannas with extreme moisture fluctuations in warm climates and temperate grasslands (prairies) with more stable environments.
Desert Biome
- Receives less than 50 cm of rainfall annually.
- Typically found around 30° latitude north and south.
- Vegetation has adapted to conserve water and shows low species diversity.
- Notable fact: Antarctica and Greenland are classified as deserts due to minimal precipitation.
Tundra Biome
- Located near the poles, characterized by a very short growing season and low rainfall.
- Experiences reduced solar radiation, with most water being frozen in soil (permafrost).
- Vegetation is limited, primarily consisting of low-growing plants, as deep root penetration is hindered by permafrost.
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Description
Test your knowledge on ecosystems with this informative quiz! Explore questions about the characteristics of ecosystems, the great coverage of oceans, energy sources of freshwater ecosystems, and the different zones in marine environments. Perfect for students wanting to understand ecological concepts better.
