OPTION G: ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

G2: Ecosystems & Biomes

G2: Ecosystems & Biomes
G.2.1 Define gross production, net production and biomass.
G.2.2 Calculate values for gross production and net production using the equation: gross
production respiration = net production.
G.2.3 Discuss the difficulties of classifying organisms into trophic levels.
G.2.4 Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels.
G.2.5 Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information.
G.2.6 Distinguish between primary and secondary succession, using an example of each.
G.2.7 Outline the changes in species diversity and production during primary succession.
G.2.8 Explain the effects of living organisms on the abiotic environment, with reference to the
changes occurring during primary succession.
G.2.9 Distinguish between biome and biosphere.
G.2.10 Explain how rainfall and temperature affect the distribution of biomes.
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.
Energy
There are rarely more than
six links in a food chain;
there are usually 3-4.

This is because much of the
energy is lost at each trophic
level due to heat loss.

From 5.1
Trophic Levels
Some energy is
incorporated
into the
organism at
each trophic
level
This energy will
not be available
for the next
trophic level.
From 5.1
Ecosystem Energy Flows
G.2.1 Define gross production, net production and biomass.
Ecosystem Energy Flows
G.2.2 Calculate values for gross production and net production using the equation: gross production respiration = net production.
The unit of energy used is Kjm
-2
y
-1
(energy per square meter per year)
Ecosystem Energy Flows
ENERGY
7 000 000
TROPIC LEVEL
PRODUCERS
PRIMARY CONSUMERS
SECONDARY CONSUMERS
SUN
+1 700 000
87 400
Pyramids of Energy
Usually only 10% of plant
energy transferred.
Only 20 to 30 % of herbivore
energy transferred to
carnivores.

Eventually all energy is lost
from system.

From 5.1
Pyramids of Energy
G.2.4 Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels.
G.2.5 Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information.
The unit of energy used is Kjm
-2
y
-1

Pyramids of Energy
G.2.4 Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels.
G.2.5 Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information.
Produce a pyramid of energy using this information
Pyramids of Energy
G.2.4 Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels.
G.2.5 Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information.
What is the efficiency of the conversion of solar energy by photosynthesis?
Pyramids of Energy
G.2.4 Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels.
G.2.5 Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information.
Pyramids of Energy
G.2.4 Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels.
G.2.5 Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information.
Calculate energy lost by plant respiration.
Pyramids of Energy
G.2.4 Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels.
G.2.5 Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information.
Trophic Levels
BRAINSTORM
Why do you think it would be difficult to classify
organisms as belonging only to one trophic level?
G.2.3 Discuss the difficulties of classifying organisms into trophic levels.
Primary vs. Secondary Succession
G.2.6 Distinguish between primary and secondary succession, using an example of each.
Primary Succession Secondary Succession
The emergence of an entirely new
ecosystem, such as a volcanic island or a
sand dune.
The replacement of one ecosystem by
another following environmental change,
such as following a bush fire.
WATCH! http://geoclio.org/ensci/imagesbook/04_03_succession.swf
Primary Succession
G.2.7 Outline the changes in species diversity and production during primary succession.
Primary succession is the emergence of a new
community from a new ecosystem.
Gross Production Increases
First colonisers are lichens on rock surfaces
Soil builds up, following the death of smaller lichens
Larger plants take root as soil deepens
Productivity plateaus as soils carrying capacity is reached.
Species Diversity Increases
More soil allows for burrowers, worms and detritivores
More plats take root and provide new niches
More death lead to more soil nutrient and nutrient recycling
ONLINE TUTORIAL!
http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/content/chp55/55020.html
Primary Succession
G.2.7 Outline the changes in species diversity and production during primary succession.
Primary succession is the emergence of a new
community from a new ecosystem.
Primary Succession
During succession, living organisms change the abiotic environment.


G.2.8 Explain the effects of living organisms on the abiotic environment, with reference to the changes occurring during primary succession.
Soil
Produces by detritivores
(worms) following death of
other plants or animals.
Detritivores and bacteria fix
nitrogen and other inorganic
nutrients into the soil. Decay
accumulates minerals around
roots, The soil is aerated by
burrowing animals which
enables more respiration and
drainage.
Plant Roots
Plant roots bind the soil,
preventing erosion, root
systems are supportive. Root
systems uptake, filter and
recycle massive amounts of
water, preventing flood and
drought.
Microclimates are generated small niches of differing temperature,
light levels and humidity. These new niches provide opportunities for
more species, in turn affecting the abiotic environment.
Biome vs. Biosphere
The biosphere is made up of all the worlds biomes.







All ecosystems are interdependent and events in one ecosystem
affect those in another.
G.2.9 Distinguish between biome and biosphere.
Biomes
Biomes are climatically and geographically defined
areas of ecologically similar characteristics.
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.
Temperature and rainfall are key abiotic features of each biome and plant and animal species
are adapted to survive in the available niches.
Climographs (temperature vs.
precipitation) show how closely related
neighbouring biomes are in terms of
their climate characteristics.
Biomes
Tundra Tree-less plains and alpine
regions
Low annual temperatures (mostly below
freezing) and low precipitation.
Plant species are adapted to high
exposure and harsh conditions and
photosynthesise in low light and include,
short shrubs ad bushes, tough grasses,
mosses and lichens.
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.
Biomes
Shrubland
Warm-hot summers and cool
winters.
Dry summers and wet winters
Natural fires common in the
summer Australia, California,
parts of the Mediterranean
Vegetation is adapted to dry
conditions (xerophytes) and some
seeds are stimulated to germinate
by fire.
Seasonal change in foliage is rare
green all year round
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.
Biomes
Grassland
Large annual range in temperature and precipitation
Warm-hot summers and cold winters.
Heavy rain in summer-autumn
High diversity of grasses and shrubs and some trees.
Grazing animals present
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.
Biomes
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Clear seasonal changes with warm summers, cold
winters and rainfall all year round.
Deciduous foliage in leaf during spring and summer and
leaves fall off in the autumn and winter.
Broadleaf trees (oaks, maples, beeches), shrubs,
perennial herbs and mosses.
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.
Biomes
Tropical Rainforest
High annual temperatures with little
fluctuation.
High annual rainfall with wet and dry
seasons.
High diversity of plant and animal life due to
high number of ecological niches available.
Tall trees, mosses and other plants.
Rainforests are divided into vertical layers:
forest floor, lower canopy, upper canopy and
emergent top trees.
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.
Biomes
Desert
Hot and dry all year round, with cold nights
Very low precipitation
Plant specie are extreme xerophytes and plant
and animal diversity are low. Cacti, short bushes,
some short grasses
G.2.11 Outline the characteristics of six major biomes.