Ecosystem & Restoration

Primary production

The process by which autotrophic organisms like plants create organic matter through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Secondary production

The creation of biomass by heterotrophic organisms (like animals) who consume the organic matter produced by primary producers.

Gross primary productivity (GPP)

The total amount of chemical and stored energy in plants.

Net primary productivity (NPP)

The amount of energy available in an ecosystem to support other organisms.

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP)

The total amount of organic matter produced by all organisms in an ecosystem.

10% rule

A principle that states only about 10% of the energy from primary producers is transferred to each successive trophic level in a food chain.

Production efficiency

The ratio of the energy captured by producers to the energy that is available to consumers.

Trophic efficiency

The efficiency with which energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain.

Ectothermic organisms

Organisms that rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperature, typically exhibiting lower production efficiency.

Endothermic organisms

Organisms that can regulate their body temperature internally, usually exhibiting higher production efficiency.

Water cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere, including processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Nitrogen cycle

The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen fixation and nitrification.

Carbon cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, including photosynthesis and respiration.

Bioremediation

A process that uses living organisms, often microbes, to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area.

Biological augmentation

The addition of nutrients or organisms to an ecosystem to restore its health and productivity.

Factors affecting primary production

Light availability, nutrient levels, temperature, and water availability in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Factors affecting nutrient cycling rate

Temperature, moisture, and the types of organisms involved in the cycling process.