how do energy and matter move in the ecosystem
Matter flows in one direction, and energy flows through the environment
in a continuous cycle. In the ecosystem, energy flows from the Sun and is transferred through the food chain to organisms. This energy is used for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic processes. Organisms also consume other organisms for food, and in doing so, they transfer matter through the ecosystem. This matter comprises the nutrients required for growth and other physiological processes. Substances like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water are exchanged among the living and non-living components of the ecosystem, sustaining life and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Ultimately, when organisms die or excrete, the matter they carry is returned to the soil or water, where it is picked up by other organisms and the cycle repeats. Therefore, energy flows in a unidirectional path while matter is recycled through the ecosystem.
In a food pyramid, there is typically less biomass at the top (i.e., there are very few individual tertiary consumers, whereas there are numerous individual producers). In three to five sentences, explain this phenomenon, citing evidence relating to energy flow and how plants support ecosystems.(4 points)
The phenomenon of less biomass at the top of the food pyramid is due to the relatively low efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels. As organisms consume other organisms, only a portion of the energy is passed on to the next level. Some of it is lost as heat or used in metabolic processes. Therefore, there is less energy available to support the growth and reproduction of tertiary consumers. This is supported by studies on energy flow through ecosystems, which have shown that only a fraction of the energy available at each trophic level is passed on to the next. Additionally, the ample biomass at the base of the pyramid is a result of the ability of plants to capture and convert energy from the Sun into organic matter through photosynthesis. This provides a consistent source of energy that supports the growth of all other organisms in the ecosystem.
Ocean ecosystems are sensitive to the chemical composition of the water. Any excess compounds can upset the balance and cause damage to organisms. In three to five sentences, describe how reducing consumption of fossil fuels can help the ocean ecosystem. (4 points)
Reducing consumption of fossil fuels can help the ocean ecosystem by decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, which in turn reduces the rate at which it is absorbed by the ocean. The absorption of excess carbon dioxide causes ocean acidification, which lowers the pH of the water and makes it more acidic. This can have harmful effects on many marine organisms, such as shell-forming organisms, plankton, and fish larvae. By reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, we can slow down the rate of ocean acidification and lessen the impact it has on marine ecosystems. Additionally, reducing consumption of fossil fuels can decrease the amount of other harmful compounds, such as heavy metals and particulate matter, that are released into the ocean through runoff and atmospheric deposition.
Which statement is true?(1 point)
Responses
Food webs are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show a single path for the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
Food webs are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show a single path for the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
Food chains are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show a simplified path for the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
Food chains are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show a simplified path for the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
Food webs are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show many ways that plants and animals are connected.
Food webs are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show many ways that plants and animals are connected.
Food chains are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show many ways that plants and animals are connected.
Food webs are the best depictions of feeding relationships because they show many ways that plants and animals are connected.
In the ecosystem, energy and matter move through various processes. Energy flows through the ecosystem in a one-way direction, while matter is recycled and reused. Let's break down these movements of energy and matter:
1. Energy Flow:
Energy enters the ecosystem primarily in the form of sunlight. Producers, such as green plants or phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems, capture this sunlight energy through photosynthesis and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose (food). This energy is then passed along the food chain or food web.
- Primary Consumers: Herbivores, like rabbits or deer, directly consume producers (plants) to obtain energy stored in the form of glucose.
- Secondary Consumers: Carnivores, such as lions or wolves, obtain energy by feeding on primary consumers.
- Tertiary Consumers: Predators at the top of the food chain, like humans or eagles, gain energy by consuming secondary consumers.
During the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another, some energy is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes, such as movement or growth. This loss of energy limits the length and complexity of food chains in an ecosystem.
2. Matter Cycling:
Unlike energy, matter within the ecosystem is recycled and reused through biogeochemical cycles. The three key cycles are the water cycle, carbon cycle, and nitrogen cycle:
- Water cycle: Water evaporates from oceans, lakes, and rivers, forms clouds, then falls back to the earth as precipitation. It is absorbed by plants, consumed by animals, and eventually released back into the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration.
- Carbon cycle: Carbon dioxide is taken up by plants during photosynthesis, which is used to produce glucose and oxygen. This glucose is then consumed by animals, and through respiration or decomposition, carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. Carbon also cycles through the lithosphere (rock), oceans, and fossil fuel reservoirs.
- Nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen is essential for building proteins and DNA. Plants acquire nitrogen from the soil through their roots. Some nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants. Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals. Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing nitrogen back into the soil. The nitrogen cycle involves processes such as nitrification, nitrogen fixation, and denitrification.
Overall, energy flows through the ecosystem in one direction, while matter cycles and is reused repeatedly. These processes ensure the continuous functioning and balance of ecosystems.