Energy Loss In Trophic Levels

Question 1

Energy in an ecosystem

Answer 1

The energy entering an ecosystem is determined by the rate at which producers can convert sunlight energy or inorganic compounds into chemical energy. Photosynthesis accounts for most of the energy entering a terrestrial ecosystem.

Question 2

Gross primary productivity

Answer 2

(GPP) is a measure of an autotroph’s energy uptake as the rate at which it produces biomass in a given area and time period.

Question 3

Net Primary Productivity

Answer 3

Subtracting respiration from GPP gives the net primary productivity (NPP)

Question 4

Secondary Productivity

Answer 4

Secondary productivity is the assimilation (production) of new biomass in heterotrophs following consumption of NPP energy or other heterotrophs.

Question 5

Energy Loss

Answer 5

• Excreted as waste
  -Some energy is changed to heat during respiration
  -Some plants and animals die without being eaten (meaning their biomass is not passed on to the next consumer)

Question 6

Ecological efficiency

Answer 6

The percentage of biomass produced by one trophic level that is transferred and incorporated into biomass at the next trophic level.

Question 7

Endotherms

Answer 7

Endotherms use internally generated heat to maintain body temperature. e.g. mammals.

Question 8

Ectotherms

Answer 8

Ectotherms rely on the external environment for temperature control. e.g. fish, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.

Question 9

Ecological Pyramids

Answer 9

Each step of the pyramid represents a different trophic level, starting with primary producers at the bottom. the width of each step represents the rate of energy flow through each trophic level.

Question 10

Ecological Pyramids 2.

Answer 10

The steps get smaller further up the pyramid because some of that energy is changed at the next higher step in the food chain.