Ecosystem Dynamics and Energy Flow

The video explores the roles of autotrophs and heterotrophs in ecosystems, focusing on energy flow and nutrient cycling. It explains autotrophy, highlighting the importance of producers like plants in energy transfer. The concepts of gross and net primary productivity are discussed, along with factors affecting them. The video also covers heterotrophy, detailing herbivory and predation, and examines decomposition, emphasizing the role of detritivores in nutrient recycling.

What is the primary role of producers in an ecosystem?

• To decompose organic matter

• To serve as a gateway for energy into food webs

• To recycle nutrients

• To consume other organisms

What would happen if photosynthesizers were removed from an ecosystem?

• Energy flow would increase

• Decomposers would thrive

• The ecosystem would collapse

• Herbivores would become producers

What does gross primary productivity (GPP) measure?

• The total biomass in an ecosystem

• The rate of energy loss to metabolism

• The rate at which solar energy is captured during photosynthesis

• The amount of energy available to consumers

Which factor does NOT affect net primary productivity?

• The number of carnivores

• Temperature and moisture levels

• Solar energy input

• Community interactions

What is a heterotroph?

• An organism that makes its own food

• An organism that consumes other organisms for nutrition

• An organism that decomposes organic matter

• An organism that captures solar energy

Which of the following is a large herbivore?

• Squirrel

• Chipmunk

• Rabbit

• Cow

What is the role of detritivores in an ecosystem?

• To recycle nutrients by breaking down dead matter

• To capture solar energy

• To consume living plants

• To produce energy

Which organism is primarily responsible for decomposing dead plant material?

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Herbivores

• Carnivores

What characterizes anaerobic decomposition?

• It produces gases causing the carcass to swell

• It is odorless

• It involves only fungi

• It occurs in the presence of air

What happens in the final stage of animal decomposition?

• Only bones and hair remain

• Maggots consume soft tissue

• Fungi begin the decomposition process

• The carcass swells