Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of energy in an ecosystem?
What is the primary source of energy in an ecosystem?
- Heat generated by consumers
- Chemical energy from producers
- Decomposed organic matter
- Solar radiation (correct)
How efficient is the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy by green plants?
How efficient is the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy by green plants?
- 1-5% (correct)
- 20-30%
- 100%
- 50-60%
Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?
Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?
- Random and cyclical
- Unidirectional and non-cyclic (correct)
- Bidirectional and non-linear
- Cyclic and bidirectional
During energy transfer in an ecosystem, what happens to energy according to thermodynamics?
During energy transfer in an ecosystem, what happens to energy according to thermodynamics?
Which organisms are classified as producers in an ecosystem?
Which organisms are classified as producers in an ecosystem?
What role do decomposers play in the ecosystem?
What role do decomposers play in the ecosystem?
Which of the following statements about energy transformations in ecosystems is accurate?
Which of the following statements about energy transformations in ecosystems is accurate?
What percentage of the solar energy in the atmosphere reaches the Earth's surface?
What percentage of the solar energy in the atmosphere reaches the Earth's surface?
What do nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia (NH4) to in the soil?
What do nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia (NH4) to in the soil?
Which process replenishes atmospheric nitrogen (N2) from nitrates in the soil?
Which process replenishes atmospheric nitrogen (N2) from nitrates in the soil?
What type of bacteria is primarily responsible for converting nitrites to nitrates?
What type of bacteria is primarily responsible for converting nitrites to nitrates?
Where do denitrifying bacteria typically live to perform their function?
Where do denitrifying bacteria typically live to perform their function?
What is the byproduct of the denitrification process?
What is the byproduct of the denitrification process?
Which form of nitrogen can be directly absorbed and used by green plants?
Which form of nitrogen can be directly absorbed and used by green plants?
What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?
What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?
What is the initial product formed when bacteria convert organic nitrogen to ammonium?
What is the initial product formed when bacteria convert organic nitrogen to ammonium?
What is the primary process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into food?
What is the primary process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into food?
What happens to carbon in decomposed plants and animals?
What happens to carbon in decomposed plants and animals?
How does carbon in underground deposits release back into the atmosphere?
How does carbon in underground deposits release back into the atmosphere?
Which of these processes is NOT part of the carbon cycle?
Which of these processes is NOT part of the carbon cycle?
What significant role do oceans play in the carbon cycle?
What significant role do oceans play in the carbon cycle?
Which factor does NOT affect the rate of transpiration in plants?
Which factor does NOT affect the rate of transpiration in plants?
What is a possible outcome of animals consuming plants regarding carbon?
What is a possible outcome of animals consuming plants regarding carbon?
Which of the following best describes condensation in the water cycle?
Which of the following best describes condensation in the water cycle?
Study Notes
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
- Energy flows unidirectionally, entering as solar radiation and converted into chemical energy by producers (plants).
- This energy is then transferred to consumers (herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, scavengers) at different trophic levels.
- Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the environment.
- Approximately 1-5% of solar energy reaching the ground is converted into chemical energy by plants.
- The laws of thermodynamics govern energy transfer: energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred; and energy transfer leads to energy degradation (heat loss).
- No energy transformation is 100% efficient; energy is always lost as heat.
The Hydrologic Cycle
- Evaporation: Sun heats water, changing it to vapor.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools and becomes liquid again in the atmosphere.
- Precipitation: Condensed water falls as rain, snow, etc.
- Transpiration: Evaporation of water from plants; affected by sunlight, humidity, soil moisture, wind, and plant type.
- Runoff: Water flows into rivers, streams, and oceans.
The Carbon Cycle
- Carbon is a fundamental element of life, found in rocks, oceans, and the atmosphere.
- Plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, incorporating it into their tissues.
- Animals obtain carbon by consuming plants or other animals.
- When plants and animals die, decomposition releases carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2.
- Some carbon is not fully decomposed and ends up in underground deposits (oil, coal).
- Carbon in rocks and underground deposits releases slowly into the atmosphere over long periods.
- Oceans store a significant amount of carbon.
The Nitrogen Cycle
- Bacteria play crucial roles in nitrogen transformations.
- Ammonification: Bacteria convert organic nitrogen into ammonium (NH4).
- Nitrification: Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium to nitrites (NO2) and then nitrates (NO3), which plants can use.
- Denitrification: Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back to atmospheric nitrogen (N2), closing the cycle. This happens in oxygen-poor environments.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on the energy flow in ecosystems and the hydrologic cycle. This quiz covers the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation processes. Perfect for students studying ecology or environmental science!
