L24

Question 1

Ecosystem functioning is quantified by measuring rates of ecosystem processes e.g.

Answer 1

Primary and secondary production

Respiration

Decomposition

Nutrient cycling

Flows of energy through food webs

Question 2

Ecosystem processes encompass functional pathways

Answer 2

Photosynthetic activity

Nutrient fluxes and uptake

Sediment mixing and stabilization

Clearance of particles from the water column

Question 3

Bioturbation

Answer 3

-Biogenic mixing of sediment

• Primary determinant of sediment oxygen concentrations

This in turn influences:

• Biomass of organisms
• Rate of organic matter decomposition
• Regeneration of nutrients
• Rates of primary productivity

Question 4

Bioturbation is measured by?

Answer 4

Sediment profile imaging

Question 5

Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning

Answer 5

• Increase biodiversity increases ecosystem function
• Increases the chance that important rare species are present

Question 6

Ecosystem services of oceans include:

Answer 6

Nutrient cycling, climate regulation, fisheries and wildlife

Question 7

Blue carbon ecosystems:

Answer 7

• Widespread, highly productive coastal habitats
• Occupy 0.5% of the sea floor
• Contribute >50% of global carbon burial in the oceans

Question 8

Blue carbon ecosystem damage

Answer 8

• around 50% lost
• restoring these is a natural climate solution