Nutrient Dynamics in Aquatic Ecosystems

A selection of flashcards based on the lecture on nutrient dynamics and its importance in aquatic ecosystems.

What primarily controls the productivity of aquatic ecosystems?

The concentration, molecular form, and stoichiometry of macronutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

What is nutrient dynamics?

Nutrient dynamics is defined as how nutrients are taken up, retained, transferred, and cycled over time and distance in an ecosystem.

What are the key abiotic factors affecting aquatic ecosystems?

Temperature, precipitation, and geographic location.

What effect do nutrient loads have on an ecosystem?

Nutrient loads affect primary production, which impacts all other organisms in the ecosystem and may determine ecosystem structure.

According to Liebig's Law, what happens to phytoplankton after a limiting nutrient is added?

Phytoplankton abundance increases until another nutrient becomes limiting.

What is luxury consumption in plants?

Luxury consumption refers to plants absorbing more nutrients than necessary for maximum growth, storing the excess for later use.

What are the typical nitrogen fertilizers used for ponds?

Ammonium and nitrate compounds, urea, and organic matter.

What is the significance of nutrient retention in aquatic systems?

Nutrient retention modifies the absolute amount of nutrients reaching the ocean and changes the ratios of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

How does phosphorus behave in aquatic ecosystems compared to nitrogen?

Phosphorus is usually less efficiently removed than nitrogen.

What is the relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton in the food web?

Microalgae (phytoplankton) consume nutrients from the aquatic system and are grazed by zooplankton, forming feeding connections in the food web.