A2 - Energy Flow Through the Biosphere

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Questions and Answers

What does an inverted pyramid of numbers indicate in an ecosystem?

A large number of primary consumers feeding on a single producer. (correct)

A balanced ecosystem with diverse species.

An even distribution of energy among trophic levels.

A large number of producers feeding on few consumers.

Which statement about pyramids of energy is true?

They illustrate the possibility of energy loss at lower levels.

They will always be upright, indicating more energy at lower levels.

They can occasionally be inverted without consequence.

They accurately represent energy transfer between any two levels. (correct)

How can human activities affect ecosystems?

They often result in permanent changes in populations. (correct)

They have no significant impact on energy flow in ecosystems.

They always lead to better growth of diverse species.

They only impact species at the top of the food chain.

What is a key characteristic of monocultures?

They involve the cultivation of a single species. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of reduced biodiversity in an ecosystem?

More fragile ecosystems dependent on few species. Signup and view all the answers

Why are nutrient-poor soils of tropical rainforests unsuitable for cereal grains?

They lack sufficient nitrogen and phosphorus. Signup and view all the answers

How does the energy flow through ecosystems relate to food chain size?

Energy loss at lower levels restricts food chain size. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to energy if producers are affected in an ecosystem?

It disrupts the entire food chain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of producers in the energy flow within ecosystems?

To generate energy through photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes food chains?

Show linear pathways of energy transfer in ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which ecological pyramid represents the distribution of energy within an ecosystem?

Pyramid of Energy Signup and view all the answers

In a pyramid of numbers, what does the width of each bar represent?

The relative number of organisms at that level Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of food webs compared to food chains?

They illustrate multiple feeding interactions among organisms Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the majority of energy that is not transferred to the next trophic level?

It is lost as heat Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ecosystem might exhibit an inverted pyramid of biomass?

Ocean ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy Flow Through the Biosphere

Energy flows through trophic levels in ecosystems.
Producers, like plants, capture energy from the sun.
Consumers, like animals, obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
Energy flow is not 100% efficient.
Only about 5-20% of energy is transferred between trophic levels.
The rest is lost as heat.
Food chains model linear energy pathways.
Food webs show interconnected food chains.
Food webs are more accurate representations of ecosystem energy flows.
Arrows in food webs point toward the direction of energy flow.
Ecological pyramids depict the distribution of energy, biomass, or numbers in an ecosystem.
Pyramids of energy, numbers, and biomass are all ways to quantify energy flow.
Pyramid of Numbers shows relative numbers of organisms at each trophic level.
Producers usually outnumber consumers.
Pyramid of Biomass shows the dry mass of living organisms per unit area at each trophic level.
A pyramid of biomass may be inverted in some ecosystems.
Pyramid of Energy shows the energy transferred through each trophic level.
Pyramids of energy are always upright and depict why food chains are restricted in size.
Humans use energy in ecosystems, impacting energy flows and ecosystem stability.
Human activities like harvesting, hunting, and agriculture affect ecosystems.
Climate change affects the distribution of organisms in ecosystems.
Ecosystem stability is impacted by changes to producer populations.
Monoculture farming practices disrupt natural cycles in tropical rainforests, causing biodiversity loss.
Tropical rainforests are crucial for biodiversity, but monoculture practices can have negative consequences.
Nutrient-poor soils of tropical rainforests are not suitable for many cereal grains.

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Description

This quiz covers the intricate dynamics of energy flow within the biosphere, focusing on the roles of producers and consumers. Learn how energy is transferred through trophic levels, and understand the significance of food chains and food webs in depicting these relationships. Explore concepts like ecological pyramids and their importance in quantifying energy flow.