Ecosystem Energy Flow and Matter Cycles

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on energy flow and matter cycles in ecosystems, focusing on trophic levels, biogeochemical cycles, and freshwater stratification.

What are biogeochemical cycles essential for?

Life and the conservation of matter.

What is the main source of energy for ecosystems?

The continuous inflow of high quality energy from the sun.

What do the arrows on food webs indicate?

The flow of energy and matter among trophic levels.

Which organisms are classified as primary producers?

Plants, algae, and bacteria.

In freshwater stratification, where does photosynthesis occur most?

At the surface of the body of water.

What flows upward from producers to higher trophic levels in an ecosystem?

Energy.

Name the trophic levels starting from primary producers to decomposers.

Primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers, decomposers.

What limits photosynthesis in deeper waters of freshwater ecosystems?

Sunlight not reaching that capacity.