Podcast
Questions and Answers
In a typical food chain, energy transfer is limited. What primarily causes this limitation?
In a typical food chain, energy transfer is limited. What primarily causes this limitation?
- Producers convert all available solar energy into biomass, leaving little for consumers.
- Energy is lost as heat and through transfer to decomposers between trophic levels. (correct)
- Higher-level consumers utilize energy more efficiently, reducing the amount available for lower levels.
- Energy is recycled efficiently at each trophic level, but the total amount is fixed.
How do organisms in a food web obtain energy?
How do organisms in a food web obtain energy?
- They only consume organisms from a single trophic level.
- They primarily absorb energy directly from the environment.
- They obtain energy by consuming organisms from different trophic levels. (correct)
- They all produce their own energy through photosynthesis.
Which of the following statements best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Which of the following statements best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
- They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
- They break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. (correct)
- They consume primary producers directly, controlling their population size.
- They act as apex predators, regulating the populations of higher-level consumers.
In the Lake Ontario food chain, Chinook salmon are the apex consumer. What does this indicate about their position in the food chain?
In the Lake Ontario food chain, Chinook salmon are the apex consumer. What does this indicate about their position in the food chain?
Why is a food chain considered an oversimplified model of an ecosystem?
Why is a food chain considered an oversimplified model of an ecosystem?
If a pollutant accumulates in the tissues of organisms, which trophic level would likely have the highest concentration of the pollutant?
If a pollutant accumulates in the tissues of organisms, which trophic level would likely have the highest concentration of the pollutant?
How would a significant decrease in the population of primary consumers affect the higher trophic levels in a food chain?
How would a significant decrease in the population of primary consumers affect the higher trophic levels in a food chain?
In an ecosystem, which trophic level typically has the greatest biomass?
In an ecosystem, which trophic level typically has the greatest biomass?
Which of the following best explains why grouping ecosystems into broad biome categories can be misleading?
Which of the following best explains why grouping ecosystems into broad biome categories can be misleading?
How does ecological succession contribute to ecosystem stability after a disturbance?
How does ecological succession contribute to ecosystem stability after a disturbance?
Which of the following human activities does NOT significantly impact ecosystems?
Which of the following human activities does NOT significantly impact ecosystems?
What is the key difference between ecosystem resistance and ecosystem resilience?
What is the key difference between ecosystem resistance and ecosystem resilience?
Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to influence the composition of a biological community within an ecosystem?
Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to influence the composition of a biological community within an ecosystem?
What might lead to an ecosystem losing its resilience entirely?
What might lead to an ecosystem losing its resilience entirely?
Imagine a forest ecosystem that experiences a severe drought. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates high ecosystem resistance?
Imagine a forest ecosystem that experiences a severe drought. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates high ecosystem resistance?
In which of the following ecosystems would you expect to find the LEAST amount of photosynthetic activity?
In which of the following ecosystems would you expect to find the LEAST amount of photosynthetic activity?
If a new species of algae were introduced into a freshwater ecosystem, which of the following resources would it MOST likely compete for with the existing phytoplankton?
If a new species of algae were introduced into a freshwater ecosystem, which of the following resources would it MOST likely compete for with the existing phytoplankton?
A coral reef ecosystem is damaged by a bleaching event due to rising ocean temperatures. Which scenario BEST demonstrates high resilience in this ecosystem?
A coral reef ecosystem is damaged by a bleaching event due to rising ocean temperatures. Which scenario BEST demonstrates high resilience in this ecosystem?
Why are terrestrial ecosystems classified into biomes?
Why are terrestrial ecosystems classified into biomes?
A large area of rainforest is cleared for cattle ranching. Over time, the land degrades, and the rainforest does not regenerate, even after cattle are removed. What ecological concept BEST explains this situation?
A large area of rainforest is cleared for cattle ranching. Over time, the land degrades, and the rainforest does not regenerate, even after cattle are removed. What ecological concept BEST explains this situation?
Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between ecosystems and biomes?
Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between ecosystems and biomes?
If Earth's surface is approximately 75% marine ecosystems and 1.8% freshwater ecosystems, what percentage is MOST likely terrestrial ecosystems?
If Earth's surface is approximately 75% marine ecosystems and 1.8% freshwater ecosystems, what percentage is MOST likely terrestrial ecosystems?
A remote island ecosystem experiences a volcanic eruption that drastically reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. Which of the following is the MOST likely immediate consequence for the ecosystem?
A remote island ecosystem experiences a volcanic eruption that drastically reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. Which of the following is the MOST likely immediate consequence for the ecosystem?
Which of the following is the MOST significant role that phytoplankton play in global ecosystems?
Which of the following is the MOST significant role that phytoplankton play in global ecosystems?
Why are autotrophs considered critical for the existence of most ecosystems?
Why are autotrophs considered critical for the existence of most ecosystems?
What is the key difference between gross primary productivity and net primary productivity?
What is the key difference between gross primary productivity and net primary productivity?
Which of the following is an example of a chemoautotroph-based ecosystem?
Which of the following is an example of a chemoautotroph-based ecosystem?
In what way do food web diagrams help in understanding ecosystem dynamics?
In what way do food web diagrams help in understanding ecosystem dynamics?
Which of the following organisms would most likely be found in an ecosystem dependent on chemoautotrophy?
Which of the following organisms would most likely be found in an ecosystem dependent on chemoautotrophy?
How does the energy used by producers for their own metabolism affect the rest of the food web?
How does the energy used by producers for their own metabolism affect the rest of the food web?
What is the primary role of photoautotrophs in most ecosystems?
What is the primary role of photoautotrophs in most ecosystems?
Which of the following best explains why complex organic molecules require a constant energy input to assemble?
Which of the following best explains why complex organic molecules require a constant energy input to assemble?
Which statement best describes the relationship between grazing and detrital food webs within an ecosystem?
Which statement best describes the relationship between grazing and detrital food webs within an ecosystem?
In a food web, what is the primary role of decomposers like fungi and bacteria?
In a food web, what is the primary role of decomposers like fungi and bacteria?
Consider a food web where a snake eats a frog, which in turn eats a spider. The spider consumes beetles that feed on plants. If the beetle population declines significantly due to a disease, which of the following is the most likely short-term consequence?
Consider a food web where a snake eats a frog, which in turn eats a spider. The spider consumes beetles that feed on plants. If the beetle population declines significantly due to a disease, which of the following is the most likely short-term consequence?
How does a holistic model of an ecosystem differ from a simplified linear food chain?
How does a holistic model of an ecosystem differ from a simplified linear food chain?
Which of the following is the most accurate representation of energy flow in a food web?
Which of the following is the most accurate representation of energy flow in a food web?
What distinguishes detritivores from decomposers in a detrital food web?
What distinguishes detritivores from decomposers in a detrital food web?
Consider an ecosystem experiencing a sudden increase in the population of decomposers due to increased availability of dead organic matter. Which of the following is NOT a likely consequence?
Consider an ecosystem experiencing a sudden increase in the population of decomposers due to increased availability of dead organic matter. Which of the following is NOT a likely consequence?
Which of the following best explains the importance of understanding food webs in conservation efforts?
Which of the following best explains the importance of understanding food webs in conservation efforts?
In a hydrothermal vent ecosystem lacking sunlight, what is the primary source of energy for supporting the food web?
In a hydrothermal vent ecosystem lacking sunlight, what is the primary source of energy for supporting the food web?
What is the process of biomagnification?
What is the process of biomagnification?
Why are lipid-soluble substances particularly prone to biomagnification?
Why are lipid-soluble substances particularly prone to biomagnification?
What was the primary environmental consequence of DDT, as highlighted in Rachel Carson's Silent Spring?
What was the primary environmental consequence of DDT, as highlighted in Rachel Carson's Silent Spring?
Why was the use of DDT eventually banned in the United States?
Why was the use of DDT eventually banned in the United States?
In the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, how did PCB concentrations change from phytoplankton to walleye, as indicated by NOAA's study?
In the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, how did PCB concentrations change from phytoplankton to walleye, as indicated by NOAA's study?
Besides DDT, what other substance is mentioned as one that biomagnifies, and what was its primary use before being banned?
Besides DDT, what other substance is mentioned as one that biomagnifies, and what was its primary use before being banned?
What implications does biomagnification have for human populations?
What implications does biomagnification have for human populations?
Flashcards
Ecosystem
Ecosystem
A community of organisms and their non-living (abiotic) environment.
Ecology
Ecology
Ecology studies the interactions of organisms with each other and their environment.
Freshwater Ecosystems
Freshwater Ecosystems
Occur on only 1.8% of Earth's surface and include lakes, rivers, and streams.
Marine Ecosystems
Marine Ecosystems
Signup and view all the flashcards
Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton
Signup and view all the flashcards
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Signup and view all the flashcards
Biome
Biome
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ecosystem Competition
Ecosystem Competition
Signup and view all the flashcards
Disturbances
Disturbances
Signup and view all the flashcards
Succession
Succession
Signup and view all the flashcards
Equilibrium (Ecosystem)
Equilibrium (Ecosystem)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Resistance (Ecosystem)
Resistance (Ecosystem)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Resilience (Ecosystem)
Resilience (Ecosystem)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ecosystem Resilience Threshold
Ecosystem Resilience Threshold
Signup and view all the flashcards
Irreversible Ecosystem Change
Irreversible Ecosystem Change
Signup and view all the flashcards
Anthropogenic Disturbances
Anthropogenic Disturbances
Signup and view all the flashcards
Food Chain
Food Chain
Signup and view all the flashcards
Trophic Level
Trophic Level
Signup and view all the flashcards
Producers
Producers
Signup and view all the flashcards
Primary Consumers
Primary Consumers
Signup and view all the flashcards
Secondary Consumers
Secondary Consumers
Signup and view all the flashcards
Tertiary Consumers
Tertiary Consumers
Signup and view all the flashcards
Apex Consumer
Apex Consumer
Signup and view all the flashcards
Energy Loss in Food Chains
Energy Loss in Food Chains
Signup and view all the flashcards
Energy Input for Life
Energy Input for Life
Signup and view all the flashcards
Food-web Diagram
Food-web Diagram
Signup and view all the flashcards
Autotroph
Autotroph
Signup and view all the flashcards
Heterotroph
Heterotroph
Signup and view all the flashcards
Photoautotroph
Photoautotroph
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chemoautotroph
Chemoautotroph
Signup and view all the flashcards
Gross Primary Productivity
Gross Primary Productivity
Signup and view all the flashcards
Net Primary Productivity
Net Primary Productivity
Signup and view all the flashcards
Holistic Ecosystem Model
Holistic Ecosystem Model
Signup and view all the flashcards
Food Web
Food Web
Signup and view all the flashcards
Grazing Food Web
Grazing Food Web
Signup and view all the flashcards
Detrital Food Web
Detrital Food Web
Signup and view all the flashcards
Decomposers
Decomposers
Signup and view all the flashcards
Detritivores
Detritivores
Signup and view all the flashcards
Energy Acquisition
Energy Acquisition
Signup and view all the flashcards
Interacting Food Webs
Interacting Food Webs
Signup and view all the flashcards
Hydrothermal Vent Ecosystem
Hydrothermal Vent Ecosystem
Signup and view all the flashcards
Biomagnification
Biomagnification
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lipid-Soluble Substances
Lipid-Soluble Substances
Signup and view all the flashcards
DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Signup and view all the flashcards
PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl)
PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Producer Uptake of Toxins
Producer Uptake of Toxins
Signup and view all the flashcards
Walleye (in Saginaw Bay)
Walleye (in Saginaw Bay)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- An ecosystem is a community of organisms interacting with their non-living environment.
- Ecosystems can vary in size from small tide pools to large tropical rainforests.
Ecosystem Categories
- Freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems are the three broad categories, each with specific ecosystem types based on habitat and organisms.
Ecology of Ecosystems
- Variables determine which organisms can thrive in a particular environment.
- Competition for resources like food, water, sunlight, space, and mineral nutrients is common.
- Climate, elevation, and geology also influence communities.
Types of Ecosystems
- Freshwater ecosystems are the least common, covering 1.8% of Earth's surface, including lakes, rivers, streams, and springs, and support diverse life forms.
- Marine ecosystems are the most common, covering 75% of the Earth, and include shallow ocean, deep ocean water, and deep ocean bottom.
- Shallow ocean ecosystems include biodiverse coral reefs.
- Phytoplankton in shallow oceans perform 40% of all photosynthesis.
- Deep ocean ecosystems contain diverse organisms, but lack light.
- Terrestrial ecosystems are diverse and grouped into biomes with similar climatic conditions and plant types.
- Biome examples: tropical rainforests, savannas, deserts, grasslands, temperate forests, and tundras.
- Ecosystem diversity can vary greatly within biomes, like the Sonoran Desert versus the Boa Vista desert.
Ecosystems and Disturbance
- Ecosystems are subject to disturbances, which are changes in the environment.
- Disturbances can be natural, such as rainfall and temperature variations or forest fires.
- Succession is the process by which an area recovers after a disturbance, with grasses, shrubs, and trees populating the ground over time.
- Human activities are creating environmental disturbances, including agriculture, pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and illegal dumping.
- Equilibrium is a dynamic state where biodiversity remains constant despite changes.
- Resistance is the ability of an ecosystem to remain at equilibrium despite disturbances.
- Resilience is the speed at which an ecosystem recovers equilibrium after a disturbance.
- Ecosystem resistance and resilience are important in considering human impact, as an ecosystem can completely lose its resilience, leading to its destruction.
Food Chains and Food Webs
- A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which energy and nutrients pass.
- Producers, primary consumers, higher-level consumers, and decomposers are the levels in a food chain.
- Each organism occupies a trophic level in the food chain or web.
- Producers form the base, are photosynthetic organisms (plants/phytoplankton).
- Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers.
- Secondary consumers are carnivores that eat primary consumers.
- Tertiary consumers are carnivores that eat other carnivores.
- Apex consumers are at the top of the food chain.
- Energy limits the number of steps in a food chain, because energy is lost as heat at each level. -A food web includes multiple trophic interactions between species in an ecosystem.
- A grazing food web is based on photosynthetic organisms, herbivores, and carnivores. -A detrital food web is based on organisms that feed on dead organic matter, including decomposers and detritivores.
- Decomposers and detritivores recycle organic material.
How Organisms Acquire Energy in a Food Web
- Energy is used in metabolic pathways, usually as ATP.
- Autotrophs harness light or chemical energy.
- Heterotrophs acquire energy by consuming other organisms.
- Photoautotrophs use sunlight, and chemoautotrophs use inorganic molecules.
- Autotrophs occupy the producer trophic level.
- Photoautotrophs are the energy source for most ecosystems, and harvest energy by converting solar energy to chemical energy.
- Gross primary productivity is the rate at which producers incorporate energy from the Sun.
- Net primary productivity is the remaining energy after accounting for metabolism and heat loss, and is is then available to primary consumers.
- Chemoautotrophs are bacteria and archaea found in rare ecosystems like dark caves and hydrothermal vents.
- Many chemoautotrophs use hydrogen sulfide released from vents to synthesize organic molecules like glucose.
Consequences of Food Webs: Biological Magnification
- Biomagnification is the increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms at each successive trophic level.
- Substances like DDT and PCBs are lipid-soluble and stored in organisms' fat reserves.
- DDT caused fragile bird eggshells, endangering the bald eagle, and was banned in the U.S. in the 1970s.
- PCBs also biomagnify, accumulating in predatory fish and birds.
- The EPA recommends pregnant women and young children avoid high-mercury fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tilefish) and instead eat fish low in mercury (salmon, shrimp, pollock, catfish).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the fascinating world of ecosystems, from freshwater to marine and terrestrial environments. Learn about the factors that shape these communities, including competition for resources and the influence of climate, elevation, and geology. Discover the unique characteristics of each ecosystem type.
