What effect do abiotic cycles have on ecosystems?
Abiotic cycles have a great impact on ecosystems. When the cycles occur more frequently, like the water cycle in the rainforest, the living components of the ecosystem respond accordingly. The organisms in the rainforest are adapted to the conditions of abiotic cycles in that region. The organisms in the desert are also adapted to the conditions of abiotic cycles in their region.
Producers and consumers release carbon dioxide as waste during which process of the carbon cycle?
Explain what distinguishes primary and secondary consumers.
Primary consumers such as herbivores only feed on producers. Secondary consumers are predators and feed on primary consumers. The principal difference between the two trophic levels is what they consume.
Explain how the elimination of a predator from an ecosystem might result in starvation amongst its prey species.
What is a possible consequence of fertilizer runoff in aquatic ecosystems?
Fertilizer runoff can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. When fertilizer is introduced into aquatic ecosystems it can cause phytoplankton to multiply rapidly. Large increases in the number of phytoplankton can cause the oxygen in the water to be depleted, leading to suffocation of the organisms in the water.
Explain the role of organisms in the carbon cycle.
Organisms move carbon through the carbon cycle by taking in, storing, and releasing it. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and convert it into organic matter. Animals acquire carbon by feeding, while respiration and decomposition return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Explain how trees can be producers and yet the smallest trophic level in a pyramid of numbers.
Trees are very large compared to the organisms they support, such as insects, birds and rodents. A single tree has much more biomass than the consumers depending upon it, meaning it is still the base of biomass pyramids and pyramids of energy. Therefore even if they are fewer in number trees still occupy the producer level of the trophic pyramid.
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