Ecosystem Dynamics and Energy Flow

What is the main focus of ecosystem ecology?

• Interactions between individuals of a single species.

• How groups of living organisms interact with each other.

• How energy and materials enter, move through, and exit an ecosystem.

• The study of geological formations and weather patterns.

How are the boundaries of ecosystems generally described?

• They are always clearly defined by physical barriers.

• They are fuzzy and gradually blend into neighboring ecosystems.

• They are determined by the largest predator in the area.

• They are fixed and do not change over time.

Why is a mountain stream ecosystem dependent on the surrounding terrestrial ecosystems?

• The stream needs more sunlight than it can get on its own.

• Animals in the stream rely on food and nutrients that flow in from the land.

• The stream's water temperature is regulated by the surrounding trees.

• Terrestrial animals need the stream for shelter from predators.

What is the main role of primary producers in an ecosystem?

• To decompose dead organisms

• To convert solar energy into chemical energy

• To eat other animals for energy

• To regulate water and temperature

Which of the following describes an organism that eats only plants?

• Secondary consumer

• Tertiary consumer

• Primary producer

• Primary consumer

When energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, approximately how much energy is typically lost?

• 10%

• 50%

• 90%

• 100%

What is the term for the process where toxins become more concentrated at higher trophic levels in a food chain?

• Photosynthesis

• Bioaccumulation

• Decomposition

• Energy transfer