Boreal Forest Ecosystem Concepts

The video tutorial explains the structure of a food web in a boreal forest, detailing the energy flow from primary producers to various levels of consumers and decomposers. It highlights the roles of different species at each trophic level and discusses the impact of abiotic factors like extreme weather on the ecosystem. The tutorial also explores how changes in species populations, particularly keystone and dominant species, can affect biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

What is the primary role of a food web in an ecosystem?

• To describe the climate of the ecosystem

• To list all species in the ecosystem

• To illustrate the energy flow between species

• To show the physical features of the ecosystem

Which of the following is a primary producer in the Boreal forest?

• Bald eagle

• Mule deer

• Arctic fox

• Jack Pine

Which animal is a primary consumer in the Boreal forest?

• Short-tailed weasel

• Black bear

• Moose

• Canadian lynx

What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

• To hunt secondary consumers

• To break down organic matter

• To consume primary producers

• To produce energy

Which of the following is a secondary consumer in the Boreal forest?

• Moss

• Snowshoe hare

• Arctic fox

• Black Spruce

How does extreme weather affect the Boreal forest ecosystem?

• It enhances biodiversity

• It increases the number of primary producers

• It limits plant growth due to nutrient-poor soil

• It causes the ground to remain unfrozen

What is a consequence of reduced primary producers in the ecosystem?

• Increase in biodiversity

• Stable ecosystem

• Decrease in consumer populations

• More food for primary consumers

What happens if a keystone species like the moose decreases in population?

• Increase in primary producers

• Increase in tertiary consumers

• No effect on the ecosystem

• Decrease in populations of dependent species

Which species is considered a keystone species in the Boreal forest?

• Jack Pine

• Snowshoe hare

• Moss

• Black Spruce

What is the impact on decomposers if the black bear population decreases?

• Decomposers will decompose more organic matter

• Decomposers will decompose less organic matter

• No impact on decomposers

• Decomposers will increase in number