11.1 Flashcards
What is biomass?
The total mass of living organisms in a given area or volume
Biomass is often used as a measure of energy stored in living things.
What does productivity refer to in ecological terms?
The rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances
Productivity is typically measured in terms of biomass produced per unit area over a specific time period.
Define efficiency in the context of ecological energy transfer.
The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input
Efficiency is often expressed as a percentage.
What are the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis?
Inputs: Carbon dioxide, water, light energy; Outputs: Glucose, oxygen
Photosynthesis occurs mainly in plants, algae, and some bacteria.
What are the inputs and outputs of respiration?
Inputs: Glucose, oxygen; Outputs: Carbon dioxide, water, energy (ATP)
Respiration occurs in all living organisms.
What type of organisms perform photosynthesis?
Autotrophs, including plants, algae, and some bacteria
These organisms can convert light energy into chemical energy.
What type of organisms perform cellular respiration?
All living organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria
Cellular respiration can occur with or without oxygen.
What is shown in a pyramid of energy?
The flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem
Energy decreases as it moves up the pyramid due to energy loss at each level.
What is shown in a pyramid of numbers?
The number of individual organisms at each trophic level
This pyramid can vary in shape depending on the ecosystem.
What is shown in a pyramid of biomass?
The total biomass at each trophic level in an ecosystem
Biomass is typically measured in grams per square meter.
What is the rule of 10 in an energy pyramid?
Only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level
This rule illustrates the inefficiency of energy transfer in ecosystems.
Why is it considered more efficient to eat at a lower trophic level?
Because more energy is available and less energy is lost in the transfer process
Eating lower on the food chain maximizes energy intake.
How does the amount of solar energy in a location relate to productivity?
Higher solar energy typically leads to higher productivity
Areas with abundant sunlight can support more photosynthetic organisms.
How does the amount of solar energy in a location relate to biomass?
More solar energy can result in greater biomass
This is due to increased photosynthesis and growth of autotrophs.
