BIOL 4.4.3 DRY LAB CYCLING OF MATTER & ENERGY PRE-LAB REVIEW EXAM Q & A 2024, Exams of Biology

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BIOL 4. 4. 3 DRY LAB

Cycling of Matter &

Energy

Pre - lab Review

Exam

Q & A

1. What is the difference between the cycling of matter and the cycling of energy in ecosystems? Answer: Matter is cycled through ecosystems, while energy flows through ecosystems. Matter is recycled, whereas energy is constantly being input into the ecosystem.
2. How does the cycling of carbon differ from the cycling of nitrogen in ecosystems? Answer: Carbon is primarily cycled through the atmosphere, whereas nitrogen is cycled through soil and living organisms.
3. Describe the role of decomposers in the cycling of matter in ecosystems. Answer: Decomposers break down dead organic matter into simpler compounds, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.
4. How does the cycling of water impact the cycling of matter in ecosystems? Answer: Water is essential for the transport of nutrients and the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers.
5. Explain the concept of a biogeochemical cycle and provide an example. Answer: Biogeochemical cycles describe the pathways that elements take as they move through living organisms, the atmosphere, and the lithosphere. An example is the carbon cycle.
6. What is the significance of the phosphorus cycle in ecosystems? Answer: Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and its cycling is crucial for maintaining ecosystem productivity.
7. How do humans impact the cycling of matter and energy in

Answer: Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient, with only around 10% of energy being passed on to the next level.

14. Describe the significance of food webs in the cycling of energy in ecosystems. Answer: Food webs represent the complex interactions between organisms in an ecosystem, showing the flow of energy between different trophic levels.
15. How does the cycling of energy in a marine ecosystem differ from a terrestrial ecosystem? Answer: Marine ecosystems rely on ocean currents and phytoplankton for energy, whereas terrestrial ecosystems rely on photosynthesis and nutrient cycling in soil.
16. Explain how disturbances such as wildfires impact the cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems. Answer: Disturbances can disrupt biogeochemical cycles by altering nutrient availability, soil composition, and species composition.
17. How does the cycling of energy in an aquatic ecosystem differ from a terrestrial ecosystem? Answer: Aquatic ecosystems rely on dissolved oxygen and nutrients in water for energy, whereas terrestrial ecosystems rely on sunlight and soil nutrients.
18. Describe the role of detritivores in the cycling of matter in ecosystems. Answer: Detritivores feed on dead organic matter and help to break it down into smaller particles for decomposers to process.
19. How does the cycling of energy in an ecosystem affect the biodiversity of the ecosystem?

Answer: Energy availability determines the number and diversity of species that can be supported in an ecosystem.

20. Explain the concept of primary productivity and its relationship to the cycling of energy in ecosystems. Answer: Primary productivity refers to the rate at which producers convert energy into biomass, driving the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
21. How does the cycling of energy differ between a tropical rainforest and a desert ecosystem? Answer: Tropical rainforests have high primary productivity due to abundant sunlight and rainfall, while deserts have low productivity due to limited water availability.
22. Describe the significance of keystone species in the cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems. Answer: Keystone species have a disproportionate impact on the ecosystem, influencing the distribution and abundance of other species.
23. How does the cycling of matter in an estuarine ecosystem differ from a freshwater ecosystem? Answer: Estuarine ecosystems experience fluctuating salinity levels, leading to unique cycling of nutrients and organic matter.
24. Explain the concept of biological magnification and its impact on the cycling of matter in ecosystems. Answer: Biological magnification occurs when toxins become more concentrated as they move up the food chain, impacting higher trophic levels.
25. How does the cycling of matter and energy differ in a disturbed ecosystem versus an undisturbed ecosystem?

breaking down dead organic matter into simpler substances, returning essential nutrients to the soil. This process is vital for the recycling of matter within ecosystems. Question: What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle in biological systems? Answer: The nitrogen cycle is essential for the transformation of atmospheric nitrogen into forms that can be utilized by living organisms, such as ammonia and nitrates. This process is fundamental for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids in living organisms. Question: Explain the concept of trophic levels in energy flow within food chains and food webs. Answer: Trophic levels represent the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem through which energy flows, including producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers. Energy is transferred between trophic levels as organisms are consumed, with energy loss occurring at each level. Question: Discuss the concept of primary productivity and its importance in the cycling of matter and energy. Answer: Primary productivity refers to the rate at which producers in an ecosystem convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. It is a crucial factor in the cycling of matter and energy, as it forms the base of the food chain and sustains all other trophic levels. Question: How do human activities impact the cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems? Answer: Human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, and pollution can disrupt natural cycles of matter and energy, leading to imbalances in ecosystems. For example, the burning of fossil fuels releases excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, affecting the carbon cycle and contributing to climate change. Question: Compare and contrast the carbon cycle and the water cycle in terms of their significance for life on Earth. Answer: The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere, playing a critical

role in the formation of organic molecules essential for life. The water cycle, on the other hand, represents the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans, sustaining all forms of life through its availability. Question: Explain the role of feedback mechanisms in maintaining equilibrium within biogeochemical cycles. Answer: Feedback mechanisms help regulate the cycling of matter and energy by maintaining equilibrium within biogeochemical cycles. For instance, negative feedback loops can help stabilize the levels of certain elements or compounds within ecosystems, preventing excessive accumulation or depletion. Question: Discuss the impact of climate change on the cycling of matter and energy in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Answer: Climate change can disrupt the cycling of matter and energy by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting the rates of photosynthesis, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. These changes can have cascading effects on the functioning of ecosystems and the distribution of species. Question: Analyze the role of keystone species in influencing the cycling of matter and energy within ecosystems. Answer: Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on the cycling of matter and energy within their respective ecosystems. By exerting control over the populations of other species or modifying their environment, keystone species can influence energy flow and nutrient cycling. Question: Explain the concept of ecological succession and its relevance to the cycling of matter and energy. Answer: Ecological succession refers to the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It is relevant to the cycling of matter and energy as different stages of succession involve shifts in nutrient availability, energy flow, and species interactions. Question: Describe the role of detritivores in the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of nutrients.

Answer: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that can be used by plants, thereby playing a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and ecosystem productivity. These bacteria form symbiotic relationships with certain plants, enriching the soil with fixed nitrogen. Question: Discuss the concept of biogeochemical hotspots and their significance in the cycling of matter and energy. Answer: Biogeochemical hotspots are areas within ecosystems where the cycling of matter and energy is particularly intense or concentrated. These hotspots can be critical for nutrient cycling and species interactions, influencing the overall functioning of the ecosystem. Question: Evaluate the impact of human interventions, such as restoration ecology and sustainable land management, on the cycling of matter and energy in degraded ecosystems. Answer: Human interventions aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable agricultural practices, can positively impact the cycling of matter and energy by enhancing nutrient cycling, reducing erosion, and promoting biodiversity. Question: Explain the role of mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient cycling and their interactions with plant roots. Answer: Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with plant roots, enhancing the uptake of water and nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in exchange for photosynthetic products. This interaction contributes to nutrient cycling and the overall productivity of ecosystems. Question: Investigate the impact of invasive species on the cycling of matter and energy in native ecosystems. Answer: Invasive species can disrupt the cycling of matter and energy in native ecosystems by outcompeting native species, altering nutrient dynamics, and modifying habitat structure. These impacts can have far- reaching consequences for ecosystem functioning. Question: Elaborate on the role of microorganisms in the sulfur cycle and their contributions to ecosystem processes. Answer: Microorganisms play a vital role in the sulfur cycle by participating in processes such as sulfide oxidation, sulfate reduction, and

mineralization. These microbial activities are essential for the cycling of sulfur and the maintenance of ecological balance in ecosystems.