ecology definitions prototype 1

Define consumer

A consumer obtains energy by feeding on other organisms

Define trophic level

Each level or organism of a food chain
The position of an organism of a food chain

Define producer

Convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in food

Define decomposer

obtain energy by breaking down dead organisms faeces and excretory products

define carbon source

Any process that releases carbon dioxide in teh atomosphere
e.g. Deforestation
Combustion of fossil fuels
Combustion of plastic waste
Emission from motor vehicles

OR
Decomposition
Respiration

define bioaccumulation

Bioaccumulation is the accumulation of toxic substances from one trophic level to the next.

define biomagnification

Biomagnification occurs from one trophic level to the next with increasing concentration along the food chain.

explain how energy is lost to the surroundings

- Energy is released as heat during respiration
- Unconsumed parts of organisms
- Undigested and indigestible matter egested by consumers
- Waste products excreted by consumers
-When organisms die without being consumed

ABOUT 90 PERCENT OF ENERGY IS LOST BETWEEN EACH TROPHIC LEVEL

ONLY 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next

explain why there are very few predators at the hgiher levels of ecosystem

Energy is lost at each subsequent trophic level,
hence the amount of energy available for every organism consumed for the consumers at the higher levels of the ecosystem is low.
Therefore, the predators are not able to survive as their is small amount of energy availble for them.

importance of carbon circulation

Control Earth’s Atmosphere

why less animals are at the top of the food chain

As less energy is available tor them

what happen to pop x when pop of y decrease (x is below)

Initially x increase, then x decrease due to increased compeition Use BOC for everythign

Gene engineering consequences

Gene engineering consequence with examples

consequence of less trees

less trees→ LEss carbon sinks→ more co2 released→ Green house gas more global warming, melting of icecaps is sped up

loss of habitat

loss of biodiversity→ extinction of certain specie

Role of sweat

Define homeostasis