Photosynthesis and Ecosystem Stability

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Questions and Answers

How would the removal of a keystone predator species most likely affect an ecosystem?

  • Stabilization of prey populations and plant communities.
  • Increased biodiversity due to more available resources.
  • A trophic cascade leading to potential ecosystem collapse. (correct)
  • Decreased competition among prey species for limited resources.

Which statement correctly describes the flow of energy and the cycling of matter within an ecosystem?

  • Energy cycles through the ecosystem while matter is constantly supplied by external sources.
  • Energy flows through the ecosystem in one direction, while matter is recycled. (correct)
  • Energy is converted into matter, forming a closed loop within the ecosystem.
  • Both energy and matter cycle indefinitely within the ecosystem without external inputs.

What is the primary role of decomposers in nutrient cycling within an ecosystem?

  • Converting solar energy into chemical energy.
  • Breaking down dead organic matter to release nutrients back into the environment. (correct)
  • Absorbing nutrients directly from the soil for plant use.
  • Consuming primary producers to release nutrients.

In the process of photosynthesis, what is the original source of the carbon atoms that make up a glucose molecule?

<p>Carbon dioxide absorbed from the air. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do autotrophs contribute to the stability of an ecosystem?

<p>By producing their own food through photosynthesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a trophic cascade?

<p>The effect of removing a top predator on the population sizes of lower trophic levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a plant is exposed to a significantly reduced amount of sunlight, how would this most likely affect its ability to produce glucose?

<p>The plant will produce less glucose due to a reduction in the energy available for photosynthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the oxygen produced during photosynthesis?

<p>It is released into the atmosphere and used by other organisms for respiration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do primary consumers play in an ecosystem?

<p>They eat producers, transferring energy to higher trophic levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of matter cycling in an ecosystem?

<p>The decomposition of a dead tree, releasing nutrients back into the soil. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Photosynthesis

Converts solar energy into chemical energy, providing food and releasing oxygen.

Elements That Make Up Glucose

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen combined to form energy for life.

Autotroph

An organism that produces its own food using photosynthesis.

Heterotroph

Organisms that consume other organisms for energy.

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Herbivores

Primary consumers that eat plants.

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Carnivores

Secondary/tertiary consumers that eat other animals.

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Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter, recycling nutrients.

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Ecosystem Stability

Balance depends on the interactions among organisms and the recycling of nutrients.

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Secondary Consumers

Eat primary consumers (herbivores).

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Tertiary Consumers

Eat secondary consumers; top of the food chain.

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Study Notes

  • Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.
  • Photosynthesis creates glucose and oxygen.
  • The purpose of photosynthesis is to change solar energy into chemical energy.
  • Photosynthesis provides food for autotrophs and releases oxygen.

Elements of Glucose

  • Carbon originates from carbon dioxide absorbed from the air.
  • Hydrogen originates from water molecules absorbed from the soil.
  • Oxygen partly comes from carbon dioxide and water.
  • Photosynthesis rearranges these elements into glucose.
  • Glucose serves as an energy source for plants and other organisms.

Ecosystem Stability

  • Ecosystem stability depends on organism interactions and nutrient recycling.
  • Removing a predator can cause prey overpopulation
  • Prey overpopulation can lead to overconsumption of plants or smaller organisms, disrupting the food web.
  • Ecosystems rely on solar energy.
  • Solar energy flows from producers to consumers and decomposers.
  • Elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycle through organisms.
  • Respiration, decomposition, and nutrient absorption facilitate this matter cycling.

Ecosystem Niches

  • Predators control prey populations.
  • Prey sustain predator populations.
  • Autotrophs produce their own food through photosynthesis.
  • Heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy.
  • Primary consumers (herbivores) eat plants.
  • Examples of herbivores are rabbits and deer
  • Secondary consumers (carnivores/omnivores) eat herbivores.
  • Examples of carnivores/omnivores are foxes and frogs
  • Tertiary consumers are top predators, and they eat secondary consumers.
  • Examples of top predators are wolves and hawks
  • Decomposers break down dead organisms, recycling nutrients.
  • Examples of decomposers are fungi, bacteria, and worms.

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