Ecosystem Roles and Functions

This video lesson on ecosystems covers the components and functions of ecosystems, using a pond as an example. It explains the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers, and discusses different types of ecosystems. The lesson also explores food chains, ecological pyramids, and biogeochemical cycles, including the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles. The video concludes with additional resources for further study.

What are the two main components of an ecosystem?

• Producers and consumers

• Decomposers and autotrophs

• Abiotic and biotic

• Herbivores and carnivores

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They regulate temperature

• They produce food through photosynthesis

• They consume other organisms

• They break down dead organic matter

In a pond ecosystem, which organisms are responsible for photosynthesis?

• Decomposers

• Producers

• Herbivores

• Carnivores

Which organisms in a pond ecosystem are considered omnivores?

• Ducks

• Dragonfly nymphs

• Tadpoles

• Algae

Which of the following is an example of a man-made ecosystem?

• Urban park

• Grassland

• Ocean

• Forest

What is the primary function of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

• To decompose organic matter

• To produce their own food

• To regulate water flow

• To consume other organisms

What does the pyramid of numbers represent in an ecosystem?

• Number of organisms at each trophic level

• Flow of energy

• Amount of sunlight captured

• Total mass of living organisms

What is the significance of studying food webs in an ecosystem?

• To measure the amount of sunlight

• To recognize interdependence of species

• To analyze the energy flow

• To understand the number of organisms

Which process in the Carbon Cycle involves plants converting carbon dioxide into oxygen?

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Respiration

• Combustion

Which cycle involves the conversion of nitrogen into usable forms for plants?

• Oxygen Cycle

• Nitrogen Cycle

• Water Cycle

• Carbon Cycle