Thermodynamics and Ecosystems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What happens to species on islands that are released from their predators?

They may exhibit gigantism or flightlessness. (correct)

They adapt to colder climates.

They become dependent on artificial resources.

They often develop increased intelligence.

Which factor contributes to higher biodiversity on islands?

Higher levels of pollution.

Uniform habitat structures.

Isolation with newly available niches. (correct)

Higher predation rates.

How does greater species richness impact ecosystem productivity?

It leads to frequent species extinction.

It decreases the ecosystem's overall energy efficiency.

It limits the amount of nutrient cycling.

It enhances ecosystem stability and productivity. (correct)

What is a characteristic of endemic species?

They are unique to a single, small geographic area. Signup and view all the answers

What may result from greater diversity of predators in an ecosystem?

Enhanced top-down effects contributing to biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the law of conservation of mass state about mass in an ecosystem?

Mass cannot be created or destroyed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes captures energy in ecosystems?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

How much of the sun's energy is captured by primary producers through photosynthesis?

8% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is typically consumed by herbivores?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which group of organisms primarily returns nutrients to the abiotic environment?

Decomposers Signup and view all the answers

What role do heterotrophs play in an ecosystem?

They consume other organisms for energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that limits the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem?

Energy loss from individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a macronutrient necessary for organisms?

Sulfur Signup and view all the answers

What role does Rubisco play in photosynthesis?

It carries out the first step of photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is directly responsible for converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium (NH4+)?

Fixation Signup and view all the answers

In which ecosystem is organic nitrogen predominantly found in the soil?

Tundra Signup and view all the answers

Why is phosphorus particularly important for organisms?

It is essential for ATP, DNA, and phospholipids. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does eutrophication have on aquatic ecosystems?

Increases detritivores' oxygen consumption. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the nitrogen cycle?

Some bacteria can convert ammonium into nitrates. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary sources of phosphorus in ecosystems?

Leaching from rocks and sediments. Signup and view all the answers

In which ecosystem is nitrogen largely found above ground in plants?

Savannah Signup and view all the answers

What effect does increased atmospheric CO2 have on marine ecosystems?

It forms carbonic acid which reacts with carbonate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are consequences of deforestation due to logging?

Loss of habitat for two-thirds of species. Signup and view all the answers

How does biomagnification impact higher trophic levels in an ecosystem?

It causes toxins to accumulate in greater amounts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor contributing to bleaching in marine environments?

Higher concentrations of agricultural runoff. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a cause of habitat degradation?

Natural forest regeneration. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does climate change have on oceanic conditions?

Alters ocean current patterns due to melting ice. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of conservation efforts?

To protect biodiversity and ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is likely to contribute to soil degradation?

Continuous livestock grazing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of carbon dioxide emissions contributing to climate change?

Fossil fuels and industry Signup and view all the answers

Which greenhouse gas is known to absorb 20 times more energy than carbon dioxide?

Methane Signup and view all the answers

What is a negative feedback effect of climate change?

More photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Why are marine primary producers declining in warmer waters?

Less upwelling and increased stratification Signup and view all the answers

What happens to coral once it experiences bleaching?

It will die without a chance of recovery Signup and view all the answers

What is phenology in the context of climate change?

Timing of breeding seasons and major life events Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a phenomenon linked with negative feedback in climate change?

Less ice leading to reduced albedo Signup and view all the answers

What is the breakdown period for methane in the atmosphere?

12 years Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Thermodynamic Laws in Ecosystems

Law of Conservation of Mass: Mass cannot be created or destroyed, only rearranged within an ecosystem.
First Law of Thermodynamics: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can change forms.
Second Law of Thermodynamics: Entropy (disorder) increases over time, leading to systems tending towards equilibrium.

Trophic Levels and Energy Flow

Trophic Levels: Steps in a food web representing energy transfer.
- Autotrophs (primary producers): Produce their own energy through photosynthesis.
- Heterotrophs: Obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
  - Primary consumers: Eat primary producers.
  - Secondary consumers: Eat primary consumers.
  - Tertiary consumers: Eat secondary consumers.
Other Heterotrophs:
- Omnivores: Eat across multiple trophic levels.
- Detritivores: Consume dead organisms, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
Energy Flow: Energy flows one way through ecosystems, captured initially by primary producers.
- Gross Primary Productivity (GPP): 0.8% of the sun's energy is captured by photosynthesis.
- Photosynthesis Requirements: Sunlight, water, carbon dioxide.
- Energy Allocation:
  - 45% of absorbed energy supports growth.
  - 55% lost through cellular respiration.
  - 34% goes to decomposers.
Net Primary Productivity (NPP): GPP minus cellular respiration.
- Global Patterns: NPP varies geographically, influenced by climate and factors like desert conditions.
Trophic Efficiency: Only about 25% of NPP is captured by herbivores.
- Herbivore Net Loss: Significantly high energy loss due to respiration (80.7%), only a small portion used for growth and reproduction.
Trophic Pyramids: Depict the decrease in energy (or mass) at each trophic level.

Nutrient Cycling in Ecosystems

Macronutrients: Components making up the majority of an organism (e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, etc.).
Essential Minerals: Support biochemical processes and cell structure/function (e.g., phosphorus, calcium, potassium).
Trace Minerals: Function as enzyme cofactors (e.g., copper, zinc).
Nutrient Movement:
- Primary producers: Absorb nutrients from the environment.
- Consumers: Transfer nutrients by consuming other organisms.
- Decomposers: Break down nutrients from waste and dead organisms, returning them to the environment.

Key Nutrient Cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus

Carbon (C): Essential for all living organisms, forming the backbone of organic molecules.
- Reservoirs: Atmosphere, oceans, rocks, and living organisms.
- Keeling Curve: Demonstrates the seasonal variation in atmospheric CO2 levels.
Nitrogen (N): Important for lipids, proteins, and DNA.
- Nitrogen Cycle:
  - Nitrogen Fixation: Atmospheric N2 converted to usable forms (ammonia, nitrates) by certain bacteria.
  - Nitrification: Conversion of ammonia to nitrates and nitrites by bacteria.
  - Ammonification: Decomposition of organic nitrogen back to ammonia.
  - Denitrification: Return of nitrogen to the atmosphere as N2.
- Organic Nitrogen Distribution: Varies across terrestrial ecosystems, with more nitrogen found in aboveground plant biomass in warmer, more favorable climates.
Phosphorus (P): Essential for ATP, DNA, and phospholipids.
- Phosphorus Cycle: Relatively scarce, released from rocks and sediments through weathering and leaching.
- Eutrophication: Excessive nutrient input (nitrogen, phosphorus) into aquatic ecosystems, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

Ecosystem Dynamics: Bottom-Up and Top-Down Effects

Bottom-Up Effects: Primary producers influence higher trophic levels, directly affecting consumer populations.
Top-Down Effects: Higher trophic levels control lower trophic levels through predation.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function

Island Biogeography: Islands often exhibit high biodiversity due to unique conditions.
- Endemic Species: Species found only in a specific, limited area.
- Speciation: Formation of new species, often accelerated on islands.
Biodiversity Patterns: Increased biodiversity is often associated with:
- Greater NPP (bottom-up effects).
- Greater predator diversity (top-down effects).
- Larger habitat area.
- Closer proximity to source populations.
- Regular disturbances.
- Greater spatial diversity.
- More stable environments.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability: Biodiversity enhances ecosystem productivity and stability.
- Greater Resistance: Reducing the impact of disturbances on NPP.
- Greater Resilience: Faster recovery of NPP after disturbance.
Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity provides essential services to humans.
- Food production.
- Raw materials.
- Nutrient cycling.
- Waste decomposition.
- Soil formation.
- Pollination.

Climate Change

Greenhouse Gasses:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The primary greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming.
  - Sources: Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial activities.
- Methane (CH4): A potent greenhouse gas, trapping more heat than CO2.
  - Sources: Livestock, rice cultivation, fossil fuel extraction, and biomass burning.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Also contributes to global warming.
  - Sources: Fertilizer use, combustion, and industrial processes.
Climate Change Effects:
- Positive Feedback Loops: Effects of climate change that worsen the consequences (e.g., reduced ice cover, increased methane production, more frequent fires).
- Negative Feedback Loops: Effects that mitigate climate change (e.g., cloud formation, forest regrowth).
Marine Productivity: Warmer waters due to climate change are impacting primary production in marine ecosystems.
- Stratification: Warmer surface waters lead to less mixing and nutrient availability for phytoplankton.
Species Ranges and Distributions: Climate change is causing shifts in species ranges and distributions, leading to challenges for adaptation and survival.
Phenology: Climate change is altering the timing of seasonal events, affecting species interactions.
Coral Bleaching: Higher water temperatures, ocean acidification, and pollution are leading to widespread coral bleaching and mortality.
Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 in the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean, decreasing the pH and impacting marine organisms that use calcium carbonate.

Human Impact on Ecosystems: Deforestation, Agriculture, Invasive Species

Deforestation: Widespread tree loss, primarily driven by agriculture and logging, with significant consequences for biodiversity and climate regulation.
Agricultural Practices: Extensive land use for agriculture can degrade soil quality and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Wetland Conversion: Wetlands are often converted for other land uses, resulting in habitat loss and ecological disruption.
Fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation reduces the size and connectivity of habitats, leading to isolation and increased edge effects.
Biomagnification: The accumulation of toxins in higher trophic levels, posing risks to top predators.
Invasive Species: Non-native species introduced by humans that can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause ecological damage.

Conservation

Conservation: An interdisciplinary field focused on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Priorities: Prioritizing conservation efforts based on species rarity, decline rates, and ecological value.
- Conservation Strategies: Implementation of strategies to reduce threats, manage habitats, and promote species recovery.

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Description

Test your understanding of the thermodynamic laws and energy flow in ecosystems. This quiz covers the principles of mass conservation, energy transformation, and trophic levels. Explore how different organisms interact and contribute to ecological balance.