Energy flows through ecosystems

1. How does light and nutrients affect productivity in the oceans?

Light penetrates only into the upper most level of the oceans, so photosynthesis occurs in surface and near- surface water.

2. What factors affect the ability of an ecosystem to support multiple trophic levels?

The amount of energy entering the ecosystem, energy loss between trophic levels, and the form, structure, and physiology of organisms at each level.

3. Describe the process bioaccumulation, and describe the DDT examples?

Bioaccumulation- An important consequence of the energy between trophic levels is that contaminants collect in animal tissue.
DDT- built up in eagles and other raptors to levels high enough to affect their reproduction causing the birds to lay thin - shelled eggs that broke in their nest.

http://www.thegingerbreadmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/dsc_0005.jpg


http://toxics.usgs.gov/photo_gallery/photos/sanfran/Se_SF_Bay_Model_fig_lg.gif

Energy flows through ecosystems

1a. Examples of primary produce, and (b.) how do they get their energy?

Organism that produce organic compounds from atmospheric or aquatic carbon dioxide and photosynthesis

2a. The second trophic level is made up of what creatures, and (b.) from where do they get their energy?

Herbivores and they plant life underwater

3. Why do predators make up the third trophic level?

Large predators are present, they represent still higher levels.

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http://www.reefresilience.org/images/C3a1_parrotfish.png

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