FREE Ecology Ecosystem Energetics Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following processes represents the primary mechanism by which solar energy is initially converted into chemical energy within most ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Chemosynthesis

Answer

Respiration

Answer

Decomposition

Question 2

A forest ecosystem experiences a significant increase in primary productivity due to favorable weather conditions and increased nutrient availability. Which of the following is the most likely immediate consequence for the ecosystem's energy flow?

Accepted Answer

An increase in the total energy available to higher trophic levels.

Answer

A decrease in the net primary productivity (NPP) of the producers.

Answer

A reduction in the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels.

Answer

A shift from autotrophic to heterotrophic dominance in energy capture.

Question 3

In a typical terrestrial ecosystem, approximately what percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next higher trophic level?

Accepted Answer

10%

Answer

1%

Answer

50%

Answer

90%

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in ecosystem energetics?

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients and some energy to the ecosystem.

Answer

They capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy.

Answer

They consume primary producers and transfer energy to secondary consumers.

Answer

They directly increase the net primary productivity of the ecosystem.

Question 5

Consider a food web: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake. If the grass contains 10,000 kcal of energy, how much energy would typically be available to the snake?

Accepted Answer

10 kcal

Answer

100 kcal

Answer

1 kcal

Answer

1000 kcal

Question 6

Gross Primary Production (GPP) refers to the total amount of energy captured by producers. Net Primary Production (NPP) is GPP minus the energy lost through which process?

Accepted Answer

Respiration

Answer

Predation

Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Erosion