Biosphere Review

Front

What is Nitrification?

Back

The process of microbes (bacteria) converting ammonia into nitrates in the soil.

Front

What percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem?

Back

About 10%.

Front

What is the original energy source for most ecosystems?

Back

The Sun.

Front

What is Denitrification?

Back

The process of microbes (bacteria) converting nitrates into nitrogen gas that reenters the atmosphere.

Front

What is Secondary Succession?

Back

A type of ecological succession that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact.

Front

What is Nitrogen Fixation?

Back

The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia, making it available to plants.

Front

What is Ammonification?

Back

The process of converting organic nitrogen from dead organisms into ammonia.

Front

What is a Climax Community?

Back

A stable, mature community that undergoes little or no change in species over time.

Front

What is Primary Succession?

Back

The process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.