Ecological Concepts and Processes

The video tutorial by Judson Diwan covers ecosystems, focusing on the interaction between living organisms and their environment. It explains productivity, decomposition, energy flow, food chains, ecological pyramids, and succession. The nutrient cycles, particularly carbon and phosphorus, are also discussed, highlighting their roles in ecosystems.

What is the term used to describe the interaction between living organisms and their nonliving environment?

• Community

• Habitat

• Ecosystem

• Biosphere

Which type of productivity refers to the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers?

• Gross Productivity

• Net Productivity

• Primary Productivity

• Secondary Productivity

What is the process called where decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances?

• Stratification

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Decomposition

In an ecosystem, what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 5%

• 10%

• 20%

• 50%

What is the term for interconnected food chains in an ecosystem?

• Energy Flow

• Ecological Pyramid

• Trophic Level

• Food Web

Which type of ecological pyramid can never be inverted?

• Pyramid of Numbers

• Pyramid of Biomass

• Pyramid of Energy

• Pyramid of Productivity

What is the term for the gradual and predictable change in species composition in a given area?

• Nutrient Cycle

• Ecological Pyramid

• Energy Flow

• Ecological Succession

What type of succession occurs in an area where no living organisms previously existed?

• Secondary Succession

• Tertiary Succession

• Primary Succession

• Climax Succession

Which cycle involves the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, ocean, and living organisms?

• Water Cycle

• Carbon Cycle

• Phosphorus Cycle

• Nitrogen Cycle

How does the phosphorus cycle differ from the carbon cycle?

• Phosphorus does not have a significant gaseous exchange with the atmosphere.

• Phosphorus is primarily cycled through the atmosphere.

• Phosphorus has a significant gaseous exchange with the atmosphere.

• Phosphorus is released into the atmosphere through respiration.