Unit 9: Ecosystems and Nutrient Cycles Flashcards
What are biotic factors in an ecosystem?
Living factors such as competition and predators
Biotic factors influence how organisms interact with each other and their environment.
What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
Non-living factors such as light, water, and soil pH
Abiotic factors affect the living conditions for organisms.
What is the main function of food chains and webs?
Energy transfer between trophic levels
Producers transfer energy to consumers, forming a food chain or web.
What percentage of energy is passed to the next trophic level?
About 10%
This concept is known as the 10% rule in ecology.
What processes are involved in the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, decomposition
These processes regulate the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
What is the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?
Removes CO₂ from the atmosphere
Photosynthesis is essential for producing organic matter and oxygen.
What processes add CO₂ to the atmosphere in the carbon cycle?
Respiration and combustion
These processes release carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
What role does decomposition play in the carbon cycle?
Releases carbon from dead matter into soil and air
Decomposition is crucial for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
List the stages of the water cycle
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Transpiration
These stages describe the movement of water in the environment.
Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?
For ecosystem stability and resilience
High biodiversity helps ecosystems withstand environmental changes.
Name three threats to biodiversity.
- Habitat destruction
- Pollution
- Overfishing
- Climate change
These threats can lead to species extinction and ecosystem collapse.
What are some conservation methods?
- National parks
- Breeding programs
- Reducing deforestation
These methods aim to protect and restore biodiversity.
