lecture 18- ecology

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What is the main purpose of using secondary production metrics in ecology?

To understand how energy is transferred and utilized within ecosystems. (correct)

To evaluate the productivity and sustainability of ecosystems.

To quantify the amount of energy lost through respiration and excretion in autotrophs.

To measure the total biomass generated by autotrophic organisms.

How does secondary production contribute to ecosystem dynamics?

By limiting the growth of autotrophic organisms.

By driving the flow of energy through food webs. (correct)

By decreasing the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels.

By reducing nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.

What is the primary function of food webs in ecology?

To illustrate the interconnected network of feeding relationships among autotrophs.

To demonstrate the unidirectional flow of energy within ecosystems.

To quantify the assimilation efficiency of heterotrophic organisms.

To depict the transfer of energy and nutrients among organisms. (correct)

What role do herbivores play in food webs?

Consumers of autotrophs and producers for carnivores. Signup and view all the answers

How does energy flow through food webs?

From autotrophs to primary producers, then to consumers in a unidirectional manner. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes energy and nutrients produced within an ecosystem?

Autochthonous Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the removal of undigested material from a consumer's body?

Egestion Signup and view all the answers

According to the River Continuum Concept, how do energy and nutrients flow through river ecosystems?

From headwaters to larger rivers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the 'green food web' and the 'brown food web'?

Green food web involves autotrophic organisms, while brown food web involves decomposition. Signup and view all the answers

In a food web, what does efficiency measure?

The proportion of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Light Bottle Method for primary producers?

To convert light energy into chemical energy Signup and view all the answers

What does the difference between production in light bottles and respiration in dark bottles represent?

Net primary production (NPP) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Light Bottle Method help in understanding ecosystem functioning?

By estimating net ecosystem production (NEP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the light and dark bottles in the Light Bottle Method?

Primary producers photosynthesize in light bottles but not in dark bottles Signup and view all the answers

How does the Light Bottle Method contribute to conservation strategies?

By estimating the productivity and functioning of ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the hierarchical structure representing the flow of energy in ecosystems?

Energy pyramid Signup and view all the answers

In an aquatic ecosystem, if small fish consume zooplankton, what is the likely fate of the energy from the zooplankton?

It is mostly lost as heat during metabolic processes. Signup and view all the answers

What do energy budgets in ecosystems represent?

The balance between energy inputs and outputs in an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

How do ecologists use energy budgets to understand ecosystems?

To analyze the overall functioning and productivity of ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the available energy as you move up the food chain in ecosystems?

It decreases due to energy loss through metabolic processes and heat production. Signup and view all the answers

What factor can influence production efficiency in ecosystems?

Temperature and habitat quality Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms generally have higher production efficiencies in food webs?

Primary producers Signup and view all the answers

In which type of environment can growth be constrained, leading to reduced production efficiency?

Stressful or resource-limited environments Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms 'Green Food Web' and 'Brown Food Web' refer to in ecosystems?

Different energy sources supporting the food web Signup and view all the answers

Why does production efficiency tend to decrease with increasing trophic levels in food webs?

Energy losses at each trophic transfer Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the total amount of energy captured by primary producers through photosynthesis in an ecosystem?

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) Signup and view all the answers

In ecosystem energetics, what does the term 'secondary production' specifically refer to?

The production of consumer biomass from consuming primary producers Signup and view all the answers

How do living systems maintain their organization and avoid entropy according to the text?

Through constant exchange of energy and matter with their surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What concept provides insights into energy flow, nutrient cycling, and species interactions within ecosystems?

Trophic structure analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that contributes to the formation of inverted pyramids in aquatic ecosystems?

High reproductive capacities of aquatic organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limiting factor for photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems?

Light availability Signup and view all the answers

In clear, shallow waters like coral reefs, primary production can be high due to:

Ample light penetration Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding the factors controlling aquatic and terrestrial production crucial?

To comprehend ecosystem dynamics and productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for assessing ecosystem health and managing natural resources sustainably?

Understanding variations in ecosystem production Signup and view all the answers

What underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research for effective ecosystem conservation?

Dynamic nature of ecosystem production Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can vary the depths at which sufficient light penetrates water in aquatic ecosystems?

Water clarity Signup and view all the answers

What can affect light penetration in aquatic ecosystems?