Ecosystem

Topics in this chapter

• Ecosystem Structure and Functions
• Energy Flow and Productivity
• Ecological Pyramids
• Decomposition and Detritus
• Ecological Succession
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• Ecosystem Services and Valuation

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-A36A50

   Which of the following functional aspects of an ecosystem is best represented by the flow of energy and nutrient cycling?

   1. A.Species composition and stratification
   2. B.Productivity, decomposition, and energy flow
   3. C.Only primary productivity
   4. D.Biomass accumulation and standing crop
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-0EBFBC

   The rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers in an ecosystem is termed as:

   1. A.Gross primary productivity
   2. B.Net primary productivity
   3. C.Secondary productivity
   4. D.Net community productivity
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-72525C

   During the decomposition of detritus, which of the following steps involves the water-soluble inorganic nutrients going down into the soil horizon and getting precipitated as unavailable salts?

   1. A.Fragmentation
   2. B.Leaching
   3. C.Catabolism
   4. D.Humification
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-50AE9E

   Which of the following ecological pyramids is always upright in all ecosystems?

   1. A.Pyramid of number
   2. B.Pyramid of biomass
   3. C.Pyramid of energy
   4. D.Pyramid of number and biomass both
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-F2D494

   In an aquatic ecosystem, the pyramid of biomass is typically:

   1. A.Always upright
   2. B.Inverted
   3. C.Spindle-shaped
   4. D.Bell-shaped
   See the answer and solution