Energy In The Ecosystems Flashcards
State three ways that energy is lost at each level in a food chain.
Undigested food
Movement
Heat
Define a pyramid of biomass
A pyramid of biomass is a diagram that shows the relative total masses of organisms at each stage of a food chain.
Kg/m2
Where the bottom has the highest biomass and the top has the lowest.
Define a pyramid of energy.
A pyramid of energy is a diagram that shows the relative total energy available at each stage in a food chain.
y/kg/m2/year
Where the bottom has the highest energy available and the top has the lowest
Define pyramid of numbers.
A pyramid of numbers is a diagram that shows the relative total number of organisms at each stage of a food chain.
The loss of energy in a food chain means that the number of organisms that can be supported at each stage along the food chain decreases.
Explain an unusual pyramid of numbers
When the producer is a tree there is a lower number at the bottom.
When the carnivore is fleas there is a higher number of organisms at the top.
Define producer.
Green plant that makes its own food via photosynthesis.
Define consumer.
An organism that eats other organisms to obtain energy.
Define carnivore.
Animals that only eat other animals
Define herbivore.
Animals that only eat plant material.
Define omnivore.
Animals that eat both plant and animal material.
Why do organisms require Nitrogen?
Every organism requires nitrogen to make protein.
Animals must ingest sources of nitrogen. (Eat)
What form of nitrogen do plants absorb?
Nitrate
Describe the role of nitrifying bacteria.
Complete nitrification.
The conversion of ammonium compounds into nitrites then nitrates.
Describe the role of denitrifying bacteria.
Complete denitrification.
The breakdown of nitrate to release nitrogen into the air.
Describe root nodule bacteria.
Found in leguminous plants such as peas or clover.
Inside a swelling in the roots called root modules. Is nitrogen-fixing bacteria that converts atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates that can be absorbed by the plant roots.
