Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

General Biology

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

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Multiple Choice

If there were no decomposers in an ecosystem, which of the following would most likely happen?

Dead organic matter would accumulate, and nutrients would not be recycled back into the ecosystem.

Predator populations would rapidly increase.

Primary producers would increase in number due to more available nutrients.

Energy flow through the ecosystem would become more efficient.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of decomposers in an ecosystem: Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter into simpler substances, releasing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon back into the soil and atmosphere. These nutrients are essential for primary producers (plants, algae, etc.) to grow and sustain the ecosystem.

Analyze the scenario where decomposers are absent: Without decomposers, dead organic matter (e.g., plant and animal remains) would accumulate in the ecosystem. This would prevent the release of essential nutrients back into the soil, disrupting the nutrient cycle.

Evaluate the impact on primary producers: Since nutrients are not being recycled, primary producers would face a shortage of essential nutrients, leading to a decline in their growth and population, not an increase.

Consider the effect on energy flow: Energy flow in an ecosystem depends on the transfer of energy through trophic levels (producers, consumers, decomposers). Without decomposers, the energy stored in dead organic matter would not be released back into the ecosystem, making energy flow less efficient, not more efficient.

Conclude the most likely outcome: The absence of decomposers would result in the accumulation of dead organic matter and a disruption of nutrient recycling, which would negatively impact the entire ecosystem. This aligns with the first option provided in the question.