summary notes on the topic of ecosystems of module 6 of a level biology, covering every part of the specification.
diagrams included.
source: kerboodle a level biology textbook
- Clay : fine particles, easily waterlogged, clumps when wet
- Loam: retains water but not waterlogged
- Sandy: coarse,well-separated particles for free draining, no water retained, easily
eroded
BIOMASS TRANSFER
All organisms require source of energy to perform functions needed to survive
Sun: source of light energy converted into chemical energy by photosynthesis, which is
then transferred to other non-photosynthetic organisms as food.
Food chains + webs show transfer of biomass (mass of living/dead material) through
organisms
Each stage = trophic level
1st: producer (photosynthetic)
2nd: primary consumer eating a producer (herbivore)
Subsequent levels: consumers that obtain energy by feeding on other organisms
Rarely 4+ trophic levels: not sufficient biomass + stored energy left to support any further
organisms
Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem
Pyramid of numbers: represents number of organisms at each trophic level
Producers always at bottom with subsequent levels added above
3
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