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

52. Ecosystems

Introduction to Ecosystems

General Biology

52. Ecosystems

Introduction to Ecosystems

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2:25 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Which of these is a consequence of biological magnification?
a. Toxic chemicals in the environment pose greater risk to top-level predators than to primary consumers.
b. Populations of top-level predators are generally smaller than populations of primary consumers.
c. The biomass of producers in an ecosystem is generally higher than the biomass of primary consumers.
d. Only a small portion of the energy captured by producers is transferred to consumers.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of fungi in an ecosystem: Fungi are decomposers, meaning they break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Consider the effect of a fungicide: A fungicide is a chemical that kills fungi. Applying it to a cornfield would reduce the population of fungi, thereby affecting decomposition.

Analyze the impact on decomposition rate: With fewer fungi, the rate of decomposition would likely decrease because there are fewer organisms to break down organic matter.

Evaluate the effect on net ecosystem production (NEP): NEP is the balance between the total amount of carbon fixed by photosynthesis and the total amount of carbon released by respiration. If decomposition decreases, less carbon is released back into the atmosphere, potentially increasing NEP.

Conclude the expected changes: Based on the analysis, applying a fungicide would likely decrease the decomposition rate and increase NEP, aligning with option d.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Decomposition Rate

Decomposition rate refers to the speed at which organic matter is broken down by decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, into simpler substances. This process is crucial for nutrient cycling in ecosystems, as it releases nutrients back into the soil, making them available for plant uptake. Applying a fungicide can reduce the population of fungi, potentially slowing down the decomposition rate.

Net Ecosystem Production (NEP)

Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) is the balance between the total amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by photosynthesis and the carbon dioxide released through respiration and decomposition in an ecosystem. NEP indicates the net carbon storage in an ecosystem. If decomposition decreases due to fungicide application, less carbon is released, potentially increasing NEP as more carbon is stored.

Impact of Fungicides

Fungicides are chemical agents used to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi. In agricultural settings, they are applied to protect crops from fungal diseases. However, their use can disrupt the natural decomposition process by reducing fungal populations, which are key decomposers. This disruption can affect nutrient cycling and carbon dynamics, influencing both decomposition rates and NEP.