Ecosystem Dynamics and Interactions

The video tutorial, led by Mr. Kite, covers the topic of ecosystems, focusing on their components, energy flow, and productivity. It explains the interaction between biotic and abiotic factors, the challenges in defining ecosystem boundaries, and the importance of energy flow through photosynthesis and respiration. The tutorial also delves into food chains and webs, highlighting the complexity of feeding relationships and the role of trophic levels. Additionally, it discusses ecosystem productivity, emphasizing the significance of gross and net primary productivity in supporting life. The video concludes with an explanation of energy transfer efficiency and biomass distribution across trophic levels.

What are the two main types of factors that define an ecosystem?

• Biotic and abiotic factors

• Physical and chemical factors

• Living and non-living factors

• Natural and artificial factors

Which of the following is a challenge in defining ecosystem boundaries?

• Ecosystems are always small

• Boundaries are often artificial

• Ecosystems do not have boundaries

• Boundaries are always clear

What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?

• The Earth

• The Ocean

• The Sun

• The Moon

How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration related?

• They occur in the same organelle

• They produce the same outputs

• They are unrelated processes

• They rely on each other

In a food chain, what is the role of producers?

• They are at the top of the food chain

• They decompose organic matter

• They produce their own food

• They consume primary consumers

What is a food web?

• A simple linear chain of who eats whom

• A complex network of feeding relationships

• A diagram showing only producers

• A representation of abiotic factors

What does gross primary productivity (GPP) measure?

• Total energy stored in the soil

• Total energy lost in an ecosystem

• Total energy used by animals

• Total energy taken in by plants

How do scientists estimate the amount of photosynthesis occurring in a plant?

• By measuring oxygen production

• By measuring sunlight exposure

• By measuring carbon dioxide usage

• By measuring water absorption

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

• 50%

• 90%

• 10%

• 1%

What does the biomass pyramid represent in an ecosystem?

• The total area covered by plants

• The total energy lost

• The total amount of living matter

• The total number of species