5.3 Energy and Ecosystems Flashcards
Ecosystem definition
The dynamic interactions between all the abiotic and biotic features in a given area
Species definition
A group of organisms with similar morphological and physiological features that can breed and produce fertile offspring
Population definiton
A group of organisms of the same species occupying a particular space at a particular time that can potentially interbreed
Community definition
All the populations of different species at a given place at a given time
Niche definiton
The role a species plays within its ecosystem
Producer definition
Organisms that make their own organic substances from light, water, CO2 or ions
Saprobiont definition
- Decomposer
Break down complex organic matter in dead organisms to simpler ones
Biomass definition
Total mass of living material in a specific area at a given time
NPP definition
Available quantity of chemical energy converted from light energy by plants , per area per time
GPP definition
Total quantity of chemical energy converted from light energy by plants , per area per time
What is NPP used for?
Growth, reproduction, other organisms in the food chain
Consumer net production equation
N = I - ( F + R )
Net production = Ingested chemical energy - (faeces and urine loss + respiratory loss)
How can farmers mitigate energy loss
1) Simplify food chain to prevent non-human consumption
2) Reduce respiratory losses
