Ecosystem (Energetics, Sustainability)

Question 1

Ecosystem

Answer 1

Interactions of all members (biotic) of an area (community), with consideration of how members interact with environment, how energy flows, and how matter cycles through the environment.

Question 2

Net Primary Productivity

Answer 2

The energetic output from a plant or ecosystem. It’s all the energy available after accounting for the plant’s/ecosystem’s own energy demands (NPP = Gross Primary Productivity - Respiration)

Question 3

What determines the energy accessibility from the net primary productivity?

Answer 3

Consumption efficiency of herbivores

Question 4

What is the net primary productivity of an ecosystem?

Answer 4

NPP = Gross Primary Productivity - Respiration

Question 5

How do some organisms make the most out of their finite energy?

Answer 5

(1) Commensalism (+0)

2) Mutualism (++

Question 6

What are some types of commensalism?

Answer 6

(1) Phoresy (transport)
(2) Inquilinism (housing)
(3) Metabiosis (leftover)

Obligative vs facultative

Question 7

What are some types of mutualism?

Answer 7

(1) Resource-Resource
(2) Resource-Service
(2) Service-Service

Question 8

Sustainability

Answer 8

meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs