ecosystem dynamics - energy & matter in ecosystems

Question 1

matter

Answer 1

consists of atoms and is anything that takes up space and has mass. recycles through ecosystems in organic & inorganic forms

Question 2

energy

Answer 2

the capacity to cause change, particularly to do work. cannot be recycled in an ecosystem, but must be applied continuously

Question 3

energy transformation

Answer 3

to transform energy from one type of form to another form

Question 4

energy transfer

Answer 4

to move energy from reservoir to reservoir, remaining in the same form

Question 5

light energy

Answer 5

enters ecosystems via autotrophic producers who transform light energy into chemical/food energy during photosynthesis

Question 6

heterotrophs

Answer 6

an organism that cannot produce its own food, instead taking nutrition from other organisms

Question 7

autotrophs

Answer 7

an organism that can convert abiotic sources of energy into chemical energy

Question 8

biogeochemical cycling

Answer 8

cycling of matter through the living components and non-living components of an ecosystem

Question 9

geothermal energy

Answer 9

energy generated from the earth’s core

Question 10

biomass

Answer 10

the total mass of biological matter (living or dead) in a given area at the time of measurement that can be used as an energy source

Question 11

productivity

Answer 11

the percentage of energy entering an ecosystem that is incorporated into biomass

Question 12

primary productivity

Answer 12

the percentage of energy that is incorporated of biomass

Question 13

gross primary productivity (GPP)

Answer 13

the total amount of organic matter in ecosystems made by producers

Question 14

net primary productivity (NPP)

Answer 14

amount of energy available to consumers. net production = gross production - energy loss in respiration