Ecosystem Dynamics Flashcards
(24 cards)
How to nutrients move in an ecosystem?
They are recycled within the ecosystem
What is the first law of thermodynamics?
Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only transformed
What is the second law of thermodynamics?
Energy spontaneously flows in only one direction
What are the three things the Biogeochemical cycles include?
Biotic components
Abiotic components
Abiotic reservoirs
What are abiotic reservoirs
where chemicals accumulate or are stockpiled outside of living organism
How is life related to thermodynamics
Creates more-ordered systems from less-ordered building bocks
How is the sun related to Thermodynamics
Energy used to create more highly ordered, stable molecules that make up living cells
What is primary production
the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy by photosynthesis
What is Gross Primary Production
the total amount of primary production during a given time period
What is net primary production
the energy leftover or the amount of new organic material added to an ecosystem in a given period
What are producers
photosynthesis organisms (autotrophs)
What is consumers?
eat autotrophs (heterotrophs)
What are the 4 layers of the Trophic layers?
1: Autotroph
2: Primary consumer
3: Secondary Consumer
4: tertiary consumers
What are Detritovores
special class of consumers that break down organic material - feed on detritus
What is Detritus
remains of dead organisms or cast-off material from living organisms
What is an example of Detritovores?
Fungi and bacteria
What % of the suns energy do primary producers capture
only about 2%
What is the idea of Trophic Succession
each succcessive trophic level = less energy available for organisms
how does trophic succession affect organisms?
constrains number of organisms higher up the trophic chain
What is mainly responsible for the cycling of carbon between biotic and abiotic worlds?
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
What are the three types of succession
Ecological succession
Primary Succession
Secondary Succession
What is an example ecological succession?
transition in species composition of a community
What is an example primary succession
gradual colonization of barren rocks
What is an example of secondary succession
occurs after a disturbance has been destroyed a community but left the soil intact
