Chapter 55

Question 1

Ecosystems

Answer 1

• All the organisms in a given area and the abiotic factors with which they interact
• communities + environment
• area not necessarily large, just distinct
• Energy and matter are conserved

Question 2

Energy Flows

Answer 2

• requires continuous input

- budget sums input and losses

Question 3

Matter Flows and Cycles

Answer 3

• most are cycled

- budget sums cycling, inputs and losses

Question 4

Energy and Nutrients

Answer 4

Trophic levels: based on nutrition and energy relationships

• primary producers: autotrophs (photo or chemo)
• primary consumers: eat producers (~herbivores)
• secondary or higher consumers eat other consumers or detrivores (carnivores)

Question 5

Ecosystem Productivity (3)

Answer 5

1. Gross Primary Production (GPP)
2. Net Primary Production (NPP)
3. Net Productivity

Question 6

GPP

Answer 6

• the total amount of photosynthesis (or chemosynthesis) per unit area and time
• producers use some energy for themselves (Ra)

Question 7

NPP

Answer 7

• NPP = GPP - Ra
• NPP represents amount of energy and nutrients available to consumers
• determined by products

Question 8

Net Productivity

Answer 8

• Energy pyramids;
• tertiary consumers
• secondary consumers
• primary consumers
• primary producers
• Biomass pyramids;
• short turnover time = small standing crop

Question 9

Limiters of NPP

Answer 9

1. Terrestrial; temperature and water

2. Ocean; light and nutrients