Ecosystem Ecology: Links in the Chain

What is an ecosystem often compared to in order to understand its complexity?

• A puzzle

• A Magic Eye poster

• A simple diagram

• A mathematical equation

Which type of ecology focuses on the flow of energy and materials within an ecosystem?

• Population ecology

• Community ecology

• Ecosystem ecology

• Conservation ecology

What makes defining the boundaries of an ecosystem challenging?

• Lack of biological data

• Static environmental conditions

• Fuzzy, ill-defined gradients

• Clear physical barriers

How do ecosystems benefit from neighboring productive ecosystems?

• Enhanced biodiversity

• Shared resources and benefits

• Reduced competition for resources

• Increased water flow

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

• Wind

• Water

• Sun

• Soil nutrients

What role do plants play in an ecosystem?

• Decomposers

• Secondary consumers

• Primary producers

• Tertiary consumers

What is the role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

• Produce primary biomass

• Convert solar energy into chemical energy

• Decompose organic material

• Predate on secondary consumers

What demonstrates the inefficiency of energy transfer in food chains?

• High energy retention in apex predators

• Low energy loss in herbivores

• High energy conversion in autotrophs

• Significant energy loss at each trophic level

What is bioaccumulation?

• Decrease of energy at higher trophic levels

• Increase of nutrients in primary producers

• Accumulation of toxins at higher trophic levels

• Reduction of biomass in ecosystems

Why is it safer to eat lower on the food chain?

• Lower risk of toxin accumulation

• Higher nutritional value

• More energy efficient

• Less environmental impact