ECOSYSTEM 1 ECOSYSTEM 2
Q Q
What is an ecosystem, and why is it Give examples of biotic and abiotic
described as 'dynamic'? factors.
BIOMASS 3 BIOMASS 4
Q Q
What is biomass, and how is it How do you measure the dry mass of
measured? a biological sample?
, ECOSYSTEM — ANSWER 2 ECOSYSTEM — ANSWER 1
– Biotic (living): predators, disease, food availability. – All living organisms AND non-living components in
an area.
– Abiotic (non-living): temperature, light, water, soil
nutrients. – Ranges in size — a rock pool to a whole forest.
– Dynamic = constantly changing, shaped by biotic +
abiotic factors.
BIOMASS — ANSWER 4 BIOMASS — ANSWER 3
– Dry the sample at a LOW temperature (avoids – Mass of living material / chemical energy stored in
combustion/loss as CO2). an organism.
– Weigh it. – Measured as dry mass per area, or mass of
carbon per area (~50% of dry mass).
– Repeat drying + weighing until mass is constant
(all water removed). – Typical unit: kg/m2/yr.
Q Q
What is an ecosystem, and why is it Give examples of biotic and abiotic
described as 'dynamic'? factors.
BIOMASS 3 BIOMASS 4
Q Q
What is biomass, and how is it How do you measure the dry mass of
measured? a biological sample?
, ECOSYSTEM — ANSWER 2 ECOSYSTEM — ANSWER 1
– Biotic (living): predators, disease, food availability. – All living organisms AND non-living components in
an area.
– Abiotic (non-living): temperature, light, water, soil
nutrients. – Ranges in size — a rock pool to a whole forest.
– Dynamic = constantly changing, shaped by biotic +
abiotic factors.
BIOMASS — ANSWER 4 BIOMASS — ANSWER 3
– Dry the sample at a LOW temperature (avoids – Mass of living material / chemical energy stored in
combustion/loss as CO2). an organism.
– Weigh it. – Measured as dry mass per area, or mass of
carbon per area (~50% of dry mass).
– Repeat drying + weighing until mass is constant
(all water removed). – Typical unit: kg/m2/yr.
