Unit 9: Ecology

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy decreases as it moves from producers to higher trophic levels.

Front

Why is energy transfer between trophic levels inefficient?

Back

Energy transfer is inefficient because only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next level, with the rest being lost as heat or used for metabolic processes.

Front

What happens to carbon in a forest after a fire?

Back

After a forest fire, carbon stored in trees and vegetation is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the primary factor that determines the number of organisms at the top of an energy pyramid?

Back

The primary factor is the availability of energy, which decreases at higher trophic levels, limiting the number of organisms that can be supported.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants and algae, convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

What is a boreal forest?

Back

A boreal forest, also known as taiga, is a biome characterized by coniferous forests located in the Northern Hemisphere, typically found in Canada, Alaska, and Russia.

Front

What occurs when the number of births equals the number of deaths in a population?

Back

When the number of births equals the number of deaths, the population size remains stable, showing no significant growth or decline.

Front

What is the significance of the 10% rule in ecology?

Back

The 10% rule in ecology states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is available to the next level, impacting population sizes and ecosystem dynamics.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web that indicates the organism's role in the flow of energy and nutrients, such as producers, primary consumers, and secondary consumers.

Front

How does a forest fire affect the carbon cycle?

Back

A forest fire releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and altering the carbon cycle.