STUDY GUIDE FOR UNITS 1.8-1.

11 ENERGY AND ECOSYSTEMS

1. First & Second Laws of Thermodynamics and how they apply to natural
ecosystems.
2. The concept of the linear flow of energy flow v the cycling of nutrients and
matter in natural ecosystems:
a. The degradation of energy as it flows through natural ecosystems and
subsequent need for continual input of energy.
b. The conservation of matter in ecosystems.
3. The interaction of photosynthesis and cell respiration, exploiting the energy
currency, ATP.
4. Defining the concept of ecosystems.
5. Biotic and abiotic components of natural ecosystems.
6. Gross (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP) in natural ecosystems and
how productivity is measured.
7. Differential absorption of light energy in water.
8. Energy flows through trophic levels in natural ecosystems.
9. The degradation (losses) of energy as it flows through natural ecosystems. How is
energy lost? The efficiency of energy flow.
10. The application of the 10% rule as energy flows through trophic levels.
11. Trophic levels are organised into food chains and food webs.
12. Food chain/web vocabulary:
a. Trophic levels: producers → consumers. 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc trophic levels
b. Autotrophs (producers)
c. Heterotrophs (consumers): primary → secondary → tertiary consumers
d. Decomposers (and detritivores)
e. Herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, predators
13. Ecological pyramids. Which is best? Why?
a. Pyramids of numbers
b. Pyramids of biomass
c. Pyramids of energy
14. The role of positive or negative feedback loops in food chains and webs.
Examples.