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Questions and Answers
What best describes density-dependent factors in population dynamics?
What best describes density-dependent factors in population dynamics?
Which trophic level in an ecological pyramid receives the most energy?
Which trophic level in an ecological pyramid receives the most energy?
Which process does NOT occur in the hydrological cycle?
Which process does NOT occur in the hydrological cycle?
What role do decomposers play in the phosphorus cycle?
What role do decomposers play in the phosphorus cycle?
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How does cellular respiration impact atmospheric gases?
How does cellular respiration impact atmospheric gases?
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What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem?
What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem?
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Which of the following organisms is considered a primary producer in a freshwater ecosystem?
Which of the following organisms is considered a primary producer in a freshwater ecosystem?
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Which process is part of the nitrogen cycle that converts nitrogen gas into ammonia?
Which process is part of the nitrogen cycle that converts nitrogen gas into ammonia?
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What happens to carbon during the process of respiration?
What happens to carbon during the process of respiration?
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Which type of autotroph uses sunlight to obtain energy?
Which type of autotroph uses sunlight to obtain energy?
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In which stage of the water cycle does water vapor turn into liquid and form clouds?
In which stage of the water cycle does water vapor turn into liquid and form clouds?
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What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
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What characteristic distinguishes the flow of energy from the flow of matter in ecosystems?
What characteristic distinguishes the flow of energy from the flow of matter in ecosystems?
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Study Notes
Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
- Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient, with only 10% of energy passing from each level to the next.
- The remaining energy is lost through metabolic processes such as respiration and heat loss.
Energy Flow in Food Chains
- Chemoautotrophs obtain energy from inorganic compounds.
- Photoautotrophs, like plants and algae, use sunlight for energy production.
- Consumers obtain energy by consuming organic compounds.
- Decomposers break down dead organisms, using the organic compounds as a source of energy.
Freshwater and Marine Food Chains
- Primary Producers include algae and phytoplankton.
- Primary Consumers consist of insect larvae and copepods.
- Secondary Consumers include yellow perch, carnivorous plankton, and some fish.
- Tertiary Consumers include squids and birds.
Ecological Roles and Food Webs
- Producers create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
- Consumers rely on other organisms for their energy.
- Decomposers break down dead matter and recycle nutrients.
- Energy flows unidirectionally from producers to consumers, whereas matter cycles within the ecosystem.
Biogeochemical Cycles
Carbon Cycle
- Photosynthesis removes carbon from the atmosphere and converts it into organic compounds.
- Respiration returns carbon to the atmosphere in the form of CO₂.
- Combustion of Fossil Fuels releases large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere.
- Decomposition of dead organisms releases carbon back into the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle
- Nitrogen Fixation converts nitrogen gas (N₂) into usable forms, such as ammonia (NH₃).
- Nitrification transforms ammonia into nitrites (NO₂⁻) and nitrates (NO₃⁻).
- Denitrification converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N₂), returning it to the atmosphere.
Water Cycle
- Evaporation transfers water from bodies of water to the atmosphere.
- Condensation transforms water vapor into liquid in the atmosphere, forming clouds.
- Precipitation returns water to Earth in the form of rain, snow, etc.
- Runoff moves water over land back into water bodies.
- Transpiration involves the evaporation of water from plant leaves.
Population Dynamics
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Density-Dependent Factors influence populations differently depending on their size. Examples include:
- Disease spreads more easily in denser populations.
- Competition becomes more intense as population size increases.
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Density-Independent Factors impact populations regardless of their size. Examples include:
- Natural disasters such as fires or floods.
Ecological Pyramids
- Pyramid of Energy represents the amount of energy available at each trophic level, with producers receiving the most energy and higher-level consumers the least.
Hydrological and Phosphorus Cycles
Hydrological (Water) Cycle
- Involves processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Phosphorus Cycle
- Geological Uplifting brings phosphorus from rocks to the surface.
- Weathering and Erosion release phosphorus into soil and water.
- Plant Uptake allows plants to absorb phosphorus from the soil.
- Decomposition returns phosphorus to the soil from dead organisms.
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Description
Test your knowledge on energy transfer in ecosystems, including the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in food chains. Understand how energy flows through different trophic levels and the efficiency of these transfers. Explore the differences between freshwater and marine food chains.
