Biology 198 Module 2 Review Questions and Correct Answers

Ecology study of one's home/earth Ecosystem community of living organisms and their interactions with their abiotic (non-living) environment Abiotic factors and biotic factors when discussing ecosystems, we consider ________ and _______ factors Flow of energy is dependent on capture and conversion of solar energy into a usable form by all other life why is the sun the ultimate source of energy for all ecosystems? Primary producers convert solar energy to usable through photosynthesis-- given to primary consumers.. Etc how is energy made available to all organisms within an ecosystem Total amount of energy in a closed system is constant (cannot be created or destroyed) first law of thermodynamics Organisms obtain energy from their surroundings informs that they can transfer or transform into useful energy to do work how does the 1st law of thermodynamics influence energy use and availability within an ecosystem In every energy transfer, some amount of energy is lost in a form that is unusable 2nd Law of thermodynamics 10% of energy( mostly heat energy) is lost as it moves up each tropic level how does 2nd law of thermodynamics influence energy use and availability within an ecosystem False Earth is a closed system and has a limited energy true/false we have an infinite amount of energy Less and less energy is available per trophic level as one moves up levels why does energy FLOW through ecosystems? Nutrients are recycled through trophic levels because organisms that receive the nutrients are eaten by other organisms who receive those nutrients and so on why do nutrients cycle? Mostly heat