Introduction to Terrestrial Ecosystems

Question 1

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

A physical area covered by groups of organisms experiencing similar environmental conditions

Question 2

What is a biome?

Answer 2

Areas of vegetation characterised by the same life form

Question 3

What are components of ecosystems?

Answer 3

Communities of organisms and abiotic components that are linked by processes of energy transfer and material cycling

Question 4

What is ecosystem structure?

Answer 4

Who lives there and what are their traits

E.g. biodiversity, biomass, leaf area, plant height, adaptations to the environment

Question 5

What is ecosystem function?

Answer 5

What processes operate and how are they controlled?

E.g. carbon exchange with the atmosphere, biotic interactions

Question 6

What happens to the rest of the sun’s energy after photosynthesis?

Answer 6

Reflection

Evaporation latent heat

Sensible heat e.g. surface heating the air

Question 7

How much of transpiration through plants accounts for all terrestrial evaporation?

Answer 7

80-90%

Question 8

What may ecosystem function mitigate? Give some examples

Answer 8

Mitigate the impacts from climate change

Tree planting in the Peak District may mitigate flood risk in Sheffield