Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
A biological community of interacting organisms and their abiotic (nonliving) environment functioning as a natural unit.
The abiotic components of an ecosystem include:
a) Sunlight, water, minerals, and gases
b) Only living organisms (plants, animals)
c) Organic matter like dead organisms and decomposers
d) All of the above
a) Sunlight, water, minerals, and gases
_____ levels categorize organisms within an ecosystem based on their feeding relationships. The first _____ level consists of producers (autotrophs) that can synthesize organic molecules from inorganic compounds.
trophic (both)
TF: Energy flows one-way through an ecosystem, typically starting with producers and then transferring to consumers at higher trophic levels. At each transfer, a significant amount of energy is lost as heat.
True
How do biogeochemical cycles, such as the carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle, move essential elements through the environment and connect different parts of an ecosystem?
Biogeochemical cycles involve the transfer of elements between living organisms, the atmosphere, soil, and water. These cycles are crucial for sustaining life and ecosystem processes.
What is meant by primary productivity and secondary productivity in an ecosystem?
Primary productivity is the rate at which producers capture energy and convert it into organic matter. Secondary productivity is the rate at which consumers produce organic matter.
Decomposers play a vital role in ecosystems by:
a) Breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the environment
b) Only competing with consumers for resources
c) Not significantly impacting the flow of energy or nutrients
d) Primarily fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere
a) Breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the environment
_____ _____ depict the complex feeding relationships between different trophic levels within an ecosystem. They show how energy and nutrients flow through the community.
Food webs
What are ecosystem services, and categorize them into different types.
Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These can be categorized as:
1. Provisioning services (food, water, fiber)
2. Regulating services (climate regulation, flood control, water purification)
3. Cultural services (recreation, aesthetic value, spiritual enrichment)
4. Supporting services (nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production)
Sustainable practices that take into account the value of ecosystem services can include:
a) Reducing pollution and protecting natural habitats
b) Unrestricted resource extraction and development
c) Practices that degrade ecosystem functions
d) None of the above
a) Reducing pollution and protecting natural habitats
Biodiversity loss can have negative consequences for the provision of ecosystem _____, ultimately impacting human well-being.
services
TF: Some argue that ecosystem services can be replaced by technological advancements. However, many essential services, like nutrient cycling and pollination, are complex and not easily replicated.
True
How can economic valuation of ecosystem services be used to promote conservation efforts?
Assigning economic value to the benefits provided by ecosystems can help raise awareness of their importance and justify investments in conservation strategies.
What are some of the challenges associated with valuing ecosystem services?
Challenges include the complex interactions within ecosystems, difficulty assigning monetary value to some services, and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits from conservation.
Deforestation is an example of a human activity that can disrupt:
a) Only cultural services (e.g., recreation)
b) Only provisioning services (e.g., timber)
c) Only regulating services (e.g., climate regulation)
d) All of the above (provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting services)
d) All of the above (provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting services)
