Ecosystem Energy Flow and Interactions

What is the definition of an ecosystem?

• A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.

• A collection of living and non-living things interacting in a specific place.

• All the living organisms in a particular area.

• A specific geographical region with uniform climate.

What is the main focus of ecosystem ecology?

• Interactions between individuals of a single species.

• Interactions between different species within a community.

• The flow of energy and materials within and between ecosystems.

• The study of individual organisms and their adaptations.

How are the boundaries of ecosystems typically characterized?

• They are clearly defined and static.

• They are rigid and do not overlap.

• They are fuzzy, ill-defined, and blend into neighboring ecosystems.

• They are determined solely by geographical features.

What is the primary factor that determines how an ecosystem is defined by ecologists?

• The size of the area being studied.

• The specific types of organisms present.

• The research question or what the ecologist wants to know.

• The amount of sunlight available in the area.

Why do mountain streams often have very few plants or algae living in them?

• The water is too cold for plant growth.

• The current is too strong to support plant life.

• Trees on the banks block sunlight, limiting photosynthesis.

• The water contains too many dissolved minerals.

How do animals in a mountain stream ecosystem survive despite a lack of plants within the stream itself?

• They primarily consume other animals that live in the stream.

• They migrate to other streams with more plant life.

• They obtain food and nutrients that flow into the stream from surrounding terrestrial ecosystems.

• They have adapted to survive without consuming any plant matter.

Which statement accurately describes the movement of energy and materials within an ecosystem?

• They are created and destroyed as needed by organisms.

• They are imported, absorbed, passed around, and eventually passed out.

• They remain static within the ecosystem's boundaries.

• They only move in one direction, from producers to consumers.

What is the ultimate primary source of energy for most ecosystems on Earth?

• Geothermal energy from the Earth's core.

• Chemical energy from inorganic compounds.

• Solar energy from the sun.

• Energy stored in biomass from previous ecosystems.

What is the primary role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

• Decomposing dead organic matter.

• Converting solar energy into chemical energy.

• Consuming other organisms for energy.

• Regulating water and temperature.

Which term describes organisms that primarily feed on plants?

• Detritivores

• Secondary consumers

• Primary producers

• Primary consumers