Unit 4 Flashcards AICE EM

Front

Explain the difference between 'gross primary productivity' and 'net primary productivity'.

Back

Gross primary productivity is the total biomass produced, while net primary productivity is the biomass available after respiration.

Front

State two abiotic factors that affect the rate of primary productivity.

Back

Temperature and sunlight

Front

What does a pyramid of numbers show?

Back

The number of organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem

Front

Explain the shape of the pyramid of numbers shown in Figure 1.

Back

The base is wide because there are more producers than consumers.

Front

What does Figure 2 represent?

Back

The stages of ecological succession

Front

Primary succession

Back

The process of species colonization in a barren environment

Front

Explain why there is a long period of time between the start of the process of succession and the growth of large trees.

Back

Large trees require specific soil conditions that take time to develop.

Front

Two main abiotic factors controlling biome distribution (refer to Figure 3).

Back

Temperature and rainfall

Front

State two characteristics of soil in a tropical rainforest.

Back

High moisture content and rapid rate of decomposition

Front

Give two reasons why rainforest trees are being cut down.

Back

Agriculture and logging