Agricultural Ecosystems Flashcards
What does agriculture aim to achieve that natural ecosystems cannot?
Ensure that as much of the available energy from the sun as possible is transferred to humans
What do agricultural ecosystems generally consist of?
Largely domesticated animals and plants used to produce food for mankind
Define productivity
The rate at which something is produced
How is net productivity affected?
The efficiency of the crop at carrying out photosynthesis and the area of the ground covered by the leaves of the crop
How must an agricultural ecosystem be maintained?
The development of a climax community must be prevented by excluding most of the species in that community
In natural ecosystems is productivity high or low?
Low
Why are fertilisers used?
To add essential ions to the soil
Why are pesticides used?
To destroy pests and prevent disease
Which type of ecosystem has a higher species diversity?
Natural ecosystem
Which ecosystem has greater genetic diversity?
Natural ecosystem
