our enviroment Flashcards
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (physical factors) components
What role do producers play in an ecosystem?
Producers, such as green plants, convert sunlight into food energy
What percentage of solar energy do producers capture?
About 1%
What is the average efficiency of energy transfer at each trophic level in food chains?
10%
How many steps can food chains typically have due to energy transfer efficiency?
Three or four steps
What are decomposers and what is their role in ecosystems?
Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead organisms, recycling nutrients back into the soil
What is biological magnification?
The accumulation of harmful chemicals in organisms, with the highest concentration in top-level consumers
Is the flow of energy in ecosystems bidirectional or unidirectional?
Unidirectional
What human activities contribute to chemical accumulation in food chains?
Pesticide use
What is necessary for maintaining balance in human-made ecosystems like aquariums?
Regular cleaning
What is the chemical formula for ozone?
O3
What has caused the sharp decrease in ozone levels since the 1980s?
CFCs
What agreement was made in 1987 regarding CFC production?
To freeze CFC production at 1986 levels
What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances?
Biodegradable substances break down naturally, while non-biodegradable substances persist in the environment
What type of materials are often non-biodegradable and can last for hundreds of years?
Plastics
What activities are encouraged to observe waste decomposition?
Activities to understand the impact of waste on ecosystems
Why are waste management systems important in local communities?
For treating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste
What has increased waste generation and raised environmental concerns?
The shift towards disposable products
What type of materials pose significant problems in waste disposal?
Non-biodegradable waste
What is one environmental issue associated with biodegradable waste?
It still impacts the environment
Fill in the blank: Ozone protects Earth from harmful _______.
UV radiation
True or False: Energy does revert back to previous levels in ecosystems.
False
