Ecosystem Dynamics and Nutrient Cycling

Flashcards covering key concepts related to ecosystem dynamics, energy flow, and nutrient cycling.

What is an ecosystem defined as?

The sum of all organisms living within its boundaries and the abiotic factors with which they interact.

What are the two unique processes involved in ecosystems?

Energy flow and chemical cycling.

What are autotrophs?

Organisms that are primary producers and usually photosynthetic, using light energy to synthesize organic compounds.

What are heterotrophs?

Organisms that cannot make their own food and depend on producers for energy.

What do we call herbivores that eat primary producers?

Primary consumers.

What is gross primary production (GPP)?

The total primary production in an ecosystem.

How is net primary production (NPP) calculated?

NPP = GPP - R, where R is the energy used by primary producers for respiration.

What is the typical efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels?

Only about 10% efficient.

What are biogeochemical cycles?

Nutrient cycles that involve both biotic and abiotic components.

What is restoration ecology?

The use of organisms to detoxify polluted ecosystems.

What is nitrogen fixation?

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that plants can absorb, facilitated by bacteria.

What do ecological pyramids illustrate?

They provide insight into food chains and demonstrate the loss of energy at each trophic level.

What are detritivores?

Organisms that derive their energy from dead organic material, playing an important role in material cycling.

What is an eutrophic lake?

A nutrient-rich lake that supports abundant algae growth.