Ecosystem Dynamics and Energy Flow

The video tutorial covers ecological pyramids, ecosystem structure, productivity, ecological succession, decomposition, and energy flow. It explains the types of ecological pyramids, the structure and function of ecosystems, and the process of ecological succession. The video also discusses decomposition processes and energy flow, including the 10% law. The session concludes with a summary and a preview of the next class topics.

Which type of ecological pyramid is always upright?

• Pyramid of species

• Pyramid of biomass

• Pyramid of numbers

• Pyramid of energy

In which ecosystem is the pyramid of biomass inverted?

• Grassland ecosystem

• Marine ecosystem

• Terrestrial ecosystem

• Aquatic ecosystem

What is the primary factor that affects the proper function of an ecosystem?

• Geographical location

• Climate

• Productivity

• Species diversity

What is the difference between gross primary productivity and net primary productivity?

• Net primary productivity is always higher than gross primary productivity.

• Gross primary productivity is always higher than net primary productivity.

• Net primary productivity includes energy used for respiration, gross does not.

• Gross primary productivity includes energy used for respiration, net does not.

Which community is characterized by high growth rate but short lifespan?

• Climax community

• Pioneer community

• Seral community

• Transitional community

What is a seral community?

• The first community in succession

• A transitional community during succession

• A community with no growth

• The final stable community

Which process is not involved in decomposition?

• Fragmentation

• Catabolism

• Photosynthesis

• Mineralization

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They prevent nutrient cycling.

• They consume primary producers.

• They break down complex organic molecules.

• They produce energy for plants.

According to the 10% law, how much energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 50%

• 10%

• 20%

• 5%

What is the direction of energy flow in an ecosystem?

• Bidirectional

• Circular

• Unidirectional

• Random