Chapter 22: Energy in the Ecosystem Flashcards
What is the saturation point of primary production?
The point at which photosynthesis no longer increases with increasing light intensity
What is the compensation point in net primary production?
It is the point (NPP=0) where photosynthesis balances respiration
What limits productivity in aquatic ecosystems?
Nutrient availability
What percent of assimilated energy passes between tropic levels?
About 5-20%
What is assimilation efficiency?
The ratio of assimilation to ingestion
What is net production efficiency?
The ration of production to assimilation; how much energy is available for growth and reproduction
What is the net production efficiency of heterotherms?
A lot (as much as 75%)
What is the net production efficiency in active homeotherms?
A little (1-6%)
What is residence time?
The amount of time energy or materials spend in a particular compartment
What is net ecosystem production?
The balance of carbon gain and loss in an ecosystem (NEP = GPP - respiration of organisms)
What happens to biomass that isn’t assimilated?
It becomes part of the detritus food chain
