2024 Norwich Ecology CFA

Front

What is a food pyramid?

Back

A food pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the relative amount of energy available at each trophic level in an ecosystem, illustrating the flow of energy from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

Why must energy be constantly added to a stable ecosystem?

Back

Energy must be constantly added to a stable ecosystem because some energy is lost at each feeding level, primarily as heat.

Front

What are dead zones in aquatic environments?

Back

Dead zones are areas in oceans and large lakes where oxygen levels are too low to support most marine life, often caused by nutrient pollution leading to algal blooms.

Front

How can human activities reduce the size and number of dead zones?

Back

Reducing the use of fertilizers on farm fields and golf courses can decrease nutrient runoff into water bodies, thus reducing the occurrence of dead zones.

Front

What is the main human activity that releases greenhouse gases?

Back

The main human activity that releases greenhouse gases is burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Front

Define invasive species.

Back

An invasive species is an organism that is new to an environment and has negative effects on the native ecosystem, often outcompeting native species for resources.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, but they also consume oxygen, which can contribute to dead zones.

Front

What is the significance of trophic levels in an ecosystem?

Back

Trophic levels represent the different stages in a food chain, indicating the flow of energy and nutrients from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

How do algal blooms affect aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Algal blooms can deplete oxygen levels in water when they die and decompose, leading to dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

Front

What is the impact of fossil fuel combustion on the environment?

Back

Combustion of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution.