Arctic Ecosystem Dynamics and Challenges

The Arctic marine ecosystem is relatively simple with few trophic levels, where energy is transferred through predator-prey relationships. The ecosystem is highly adapted to specific habitat characteristics controlled by sea ice. Changes in sea ice, such as shifting from multi-year to first-year ice, impact the entire ecosystem, including polar bears and algae. These changes lead to mismatches in trophic levels, affecting energy transfer and organism survival. Some species adapt quickly, while others struggle with the altered timing of ecological events.

What is a key characteristic of the Arctic marine ecosystem?

• Lack of predators

• Simple trophic levels

• High biodiversity

• Complex trophic levels

How does sea ice influence the Arctic marine ecosystem?

• By increasing predator numbers

• By controlling light, heat, and momentum

• By providing food for all organisms

• By reducing habitat complexity

What is a common misconception about polar bears and their habitat?

• Polar bears will disappear as their habitat changes

• Polar bears are unaffected by sea ice changes

• Polar bears are increasing in number

• Polar bears are thriving due to climate change

What happens to algae when the ice warms too quickly?

• They become more nutritious

• They grow more efficiently

• They are pushed off the ice

• They thrive in brine pockets

What role do brine pockets play in the Arctic ecosystem?

• They provide shelter for marine mammals

• They increase ice thickness

• They channel nutrients for algae

• They reduce algae growth

What is a 'mass match mismatch' in the context of the Arctic ecosystem?

• A balance between ice cover and open water

• A synchronization of all trophic levels

• A mismatch in timing between algae growth and grazer readiness

• A perfect alignment of predator and prey

How does the change in ice cover affect lower trophic organisms?

• It allows them to develop later

• It reduces their population

• It has no effect on their development

• It enables earlier development in some areas

What is the consequence of a mismatch in the timing of energy transfer?

• Increased energy efficiency

• Disruption in the food chain

• Enhanced growth of all organisms

• Stability in the ecosystem

How do some organisms respond to changes in the ice cover cycle?

• They adapt quickly

• They become extinct

• They migrate to warmer areas

• They increase in size

What is the primary factor dictating energy transfer in the Arctic ecosystem?

• Predator population

• Nutrient availability

• Annual cycle of ice cover

• Amount of sunlight