Ecosystem Dynamics and Biodiversity Concepts

The video tutorial covers the flow of energy in ecosystems, starting with autotrophs and moving through various trophic levels. It explains biodiversity, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity, and their roles in ecosystem stability. Human impacts such as deforestation and pollution are discussed, along with population growth factors and models. The lesson concludes with a review and exercises.

What is the primary role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

• To decompose dead matter

• To transfer energy to the atmosphere

• To produce their own food through photosynthesis

• To consume other organisms

Which type of consumer only eats plants?

• Carnivore

• Omnivore

• Herbivore

• Decomposer

What percentage of the sun's energy absorbed by plants is transferred to the next trophic level?

• 90%

• 25%

• 50%

• 10%

How is biodiversity measured in an ecosystem?

• By the amount of sunlight

• Through the number of decomposers

• Through species richness and abundance

• By the number of autotrophs

Which of the following is an example of genetic diversity?

• Varieties of flowers

• Different species of trees in a forest

• The number of herbivores in an area

• Desert and marine ecosystems

What is the largest cause of global deforestation today?

• Pollution

• Population growth

• Forest conversion

• Wildfires

What is carrying capacity?

• The maximum number of organisms an environment can support

• The amount of energy transferred between trophic levels

• The rate at which a population grows

• The number of species in an ecosystem

Which growth model results in an S-shaped curve?

• Linear growth

• Cyclic growth

• Logistic growth

• Exponential growth

What is a density-independent limiting factor?

• Natural disasters

• Disease

• Competition for resources

• Predation

What happens to a population when it reaches its carrying capacity?

• It starts to decline rapidly

• The growth rate decreases to zero

• It becomes extinct

• It continues to grow exponentially