Biology 198 Module 2 Practice Questions and Correct Answers

Understand what kind of research is conducted within the discipline known as "Ecology" Ecology is the study of interactions of living organisms with their environment. Ecologists are interested in the factors that influence the survival of an endangered species. Define and Identify the ecological unit known as an ecosystem The ecosystem is composed of all the biotic and abiotic components in an area Explain why the sun is the ultimate source of energy for nearly all ecosystems and how its energy is made available to all organisms within an ecosystem its the ultimate source of energy because primary producers convert solar energy into chemical energy so the consumers can use it. State the first and second law of thermodynamics and explain how they influence energy use and availability within an ecosystem The first law of thermodynamics- it states the total amount of energy in a closed system is constant. The second law of thermodynamics is that with every energy transfer some energy is lost as heat. They influence the ecosystem because throughout the trophic levels each uses 10% of the consumer/producer before them. Also all energy that entered our atmosphere is transformed somehow. Describe why energy flows through ecosystems and nutrient cycles The producer gets the energy from the sun and produces chemical energy, or photosynthesis(only takes 10%). Then the consumer takes 10% and as we go through the cycle until the decomposer, then the producer uses the decomposer (fertilizer) and recycles the nutrients. Describe the relationship between energy flow and nutrient cycling Nutrients get recycled while energy doesn't. Define autotroph auto=self, these organisms feed themselves, without these organisms energy would not be available to other living organisms and life itself would not be possible (photosynthesis) Define heterotroph hetero=other, these organisms are fed by others