Basics of a System, Ecology and Energy Flow

Question 1

a network of interdependent components and processes (materials and energy)

Answer 1

system

Question 2

part of a system that stores resources (compartments or stocks)

Answer 2

state variables

Question 3

how resources move from one compartment to another

Answer 3

flows

Question 4

flow of resources into, through, and out of a system

Answer 4

throughput

Question 5

system- receive inputs from surroundings; produce outputs that leave the system

Answer 5

open system

Question 6

system- no exchange of matter or energy with surroundings

Answer 6

closed system

Question 7

stable balance in a system over time

Answer 7

equilibrium

Question 8

sudden or rapid change that happens past certain limits in a system

Answer 8

tipping points

Question 9

feedback loop- diminishes a process or component

Answer 9

negative feedback

Question 10

feedback loop- increases a process or a component

Answer 10

positive feedback

Question 11

when specific numbers of resources or energy vary but the overall trend is stable (variation around a stable average)

Answer 11

dynamic equilibrium

Question 12

events or activities that interrupt normal feedback loops

Answer 12

disturbances

Question 13

when components of varying properties come together to form a system, a new property emerges which was not present in the previous components

Answer 13

emergent properties

Question 14

interactions of organisms with each other

Answer 14

biotic

Question 15

interactions of organisms with their physical environment

Answer 15

abiotic

Question 16

law- energy can neither be created nor destroyed. energy is conserved

Answer 16

1st law of thermodynamics

Question 17

law- with each energy transfer (or transformation) in a system, less energy is available to do work

Answer 17

2nd law of thermodynamics

Question 18

(or disorder) tends to increase in natural systems

Answer 18

entropy

Question 19

series of light-dependent reactions. produces oxygen gas and glucose
light –> chemical
energy captured

Answer 19

photosynthesis

Question 20

process of releasing chemical energy. involves splitting C and H atoms from glucose
chemical –> heat
energy released

Answer 20

cell respiration

Question 21

an open system with dynamic equilibrium
constant input and output of energy
composed of biological community+physical environment

Answer 21

ecosystem

Question 22

organisms that produce organic material through photosynthesis

Answer 22

producers

Question 23

amount of biomass produced in a given area during a given period of time

Answer 23

productivity

Question 24

an organism’s feeding status in an ecosystem

Answer 24

trophic level

Question 25

autotrophs- feed themselves usually through photosynthesis

Answer 25

producers

Question 26

heterotrophs- eat other animals or plants for energy and nutrients

Answer 26

consumers

Question 27

organisms that clean up dead carcasses

Answer 27

scavengers

Question 28

organisms that consume litter, debris, and dung

Answer 28

detritivores

Question 29

organisms that breakdown and recycle

Answer 29

decomposers

Question 30

what is the 10% rule

Answer 30

only 10% of the energy in one trophic level is passed on to the next