Ecosystems and Energy Flow — Flashcards
Maharashtra Board · Class 12 · Biology
25 flashcards for Ecosystems and Energy Flow (Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology) to test yourself on key terms and facts.
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Define ecosystem and identify the two main categories based on habitat type.
Answer
An ecosystem is a self-regulatory and self-sustaining structural and functional unit of nature containing both biotic and abiotic components. The two main categories are: 1) Terrestrial ecosystems (fo…
What is stratification in ecosystems? Give an example from forest ecosystems.
Answer
Stratification is the vertical distribution of different species of plants and animals occupying different levels. In forests: Trees occupy the top vertical layer (emergent and canopy layers), shrubs …
Distinguish between zonation and stratification with examples.
Answer
Stratification is vertical distribution (trees at top, shrubs in middle, herbs at bottom in forests). Zonation is horizontal distribution across space (inter-tidal, littoral, sub-littoral zones in wet…
List the four essential processes that any ecosystem must perform for sustainability.
Answer
1) Productivity - conversion of inorganic chemicals into organic material using solar energy 2) Decomposition - breakdown of dead organic material and mineralization 3) Nutrient cycling - storage and …
Define Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP). Write the relationship between them.
Answer
GPP is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. NPP is the biomass available for consumption by heterotrophs after plants use energy for their own respiration. Relationship: GPP…
Why is ocean productivity lower compared to terrestrial ecosystems?
Answer
Ocean productivity is lower because: 1) Limited availability of nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) in surface waters, 2) Light penetration decreases with depth, limiting photosynthesis, 3)…
Describe the five important steps in the decomposition process.
Answer
1) Fragmentation - detritivores (earthworms) break detritus into smaller particles 2) Leaching - water-soluble nutrients percolate into soil 3) Catabolism - bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detrit…
What factors affect the rate of decomposition? How do they influence the process?
Answer
Temperature and soil moisture are most important factors. Warm and moist environment favors decomposition by enhancing microbial activity. Low temperature slows enzyme activity. Anaerobic conditions i…
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