Ecosystem L3 Flashcards
Define first law of thermodynamics
energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed form one form to another.
Define second law of thermodynamics
energy transformations increase disorder (entropy), meaning energy is lost as heat at each step.
Explain how first law of thermodynamics relate to ecosystems.
First law: In ecosystem, energy flows from the sun through producers (plants) then through consumers and decomposers, always transformed into different forms (chemical, mechanical)
Describe what happens to energy within the food web
In a food web, energy starts with producers (plants) that capture sunlight and store it as chemical energy. As consumers (herbivores, carnivores) eat plants or other animals, energy is transferred but some is lost as heat. Only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed to the next, with the rest lost in metabolic processes. Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing energy and nutrients back into the system. This results in a decrease in energy as you move up the food web.
What are the stages of energy within the food web
Primary producers > Primary Consumers > Secondary consumers > Tertiary Consumers > Decomposers
Define the three chemical states of materials
Solids, Liquid, Gas
Define solid states
In this state, particles are closely packed together and vibrate in place. Solids have a definite shape and volume.
Define Gas states
In this state, particles are far apart and move freely. Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume and expand to fill any space.
Define Liquid states
In this state, particles are still close but can move past one another. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.
What differentiates the two forms of primary production?
GPP is the total amount of energy captured by primary producers (such as plants and algae) through photosynthesis.
NPP is the energy that remains after the primary producers use some of the captured energy for their own metabolic processes (respiration).
Define bioaccumulation
is the buildup of toxic substances in an organism over time
Why is bioaccumulation concerning
It’s concerning because these toxins can harm the organism’s health and become more concentrated higher up the food chain, affecting predators, including humans. This leads to health risks (e.g., neurological damage), economic losses (e.g., in fisheries), and ecosystem harm, disrupting food webs and vital services.
What drives primary production in different ecosystems?
Light, Nutrients, Temperature, Water Availability, Disturbances and CO2 concentration
Why it is important for engineers to understand nutrient cycles
It is important for engineers to understand nutrient cycles and mass balance budgets because this knowledge enables them to design systems that are environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient. By understanding how nutrients cycle through ecosystems, engineers can prevent issues like water pollution and eutrophication, ensuring that systems such as wastewater treatment and agriculture are optimized for minimal environmental impact.
Why it is important for engineers to understand mass balance budgets?
Mass balance budgets allow engineers to track the flow of materials and energy, helping them reduce waste and improve resource use. Additionally, this understanding ensures compliance with environmental regulations, promoting long-term sustainability and protecting both ecosystems and human health.
Explain how second law of thermodynamics relate to ecosystems.
Second Law: In ecosystems, this results in energy being less available as it moves through trophic levels, with only about 10% of the energy passed from one level to the next, limiting the number of trophic levels.
