Theme - Energy Flow Flashcards
What is the ultimate source of energy for the majority of life on Earth?
The sun
Give an example of non-photosynthetic autotrophs and how they gain energy.
Bacteria that live on the sea floor near hydrothermal vents.
They gain energy through the chemical reduction of sulphate to hydrogen sulphide.
Give three different food sources for ants
- Nectar from floral nectaries
- Proteins from ‘Beltian bodies’ from acacias
- Seeds
- Reproductive parts of fungus grown on leafs
- Honeydew from aphids that have eaten sap
Briefly explain why the levels in a trophic chain may not be static.
Because one species can be at different levels of the interaction, with variations in time and space
Give an example of a species whose trophic level change over time
Frogs - as tadpoles they are herbivores but as frogs they are carnivores
What is a beltian body?
It is found at the tip of plant leaves and contains lipids, sugars and proteins. It is thought to be put there by plants to feed ants, who help protect the leaf proper from herbivory by other species
Which study quoted in the text discusses the concept of multiple trophic levels varying in time and space
Mooney & Tillberg 2004
What is phenology?
The study of periodic events, such as first leaf growth, budding, migration sightings
Why is there a greater energetic cost to organisms in cold environments?
Energy is needed to maintain body temperature
Give two examples of behaviours that help species cope with uneven resources in cold weather
- Migrate to warmer place over-winter
2. Timing of nesting/breeding to coincide with food availability
What is the trophic match-mismatch hypothesis?
Predators breed most successfully where there is the most match/overlap between their most energetically demanding period and when food/prey is available
Give an example of a trophic match-mismatch
Cassin’s auklet and young copepods coming up to feed in shallower ocean waters
What is parturition?
Giving birth
Why is mammalian parturition often synchronised with plant growth?
As females have high energy demands during lactation.
