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

Previous problemNext problem

2:14 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

Which of the following has the greatest effect on the rate of chemical cycling in an ecosystem?
a. The rate of decomposition in the ecosystem
b. The production efficiency of the ecosystem's consumers
c. The trophic efficiency of the ecosystem
d. The location of the nutrient reservoirs in the ecosystem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that chemical cycling in an ecosystem refers to the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Recognize that decomposition is a critical process in chemical cycling, as it breaks down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers.

Consider the role of decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, which are responsible for breaking down complex organic materials into simpler substances.

Evaluate how the rate of decomposition directly affects the speed at which nutrients are recycled and made available to primary producers, thus influencing the overall rate of chemical cycling.

Conclude that among the given options, the rate of decomposition in the ecosystem (option a) has the greatest effect on the rate of chemical cycling, as it directly impacts the availability of nutrients for other organisms.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Rate of Decomposition

The rate of decomposition refers to how quickly organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by decomposers like bacteria and fungi. This process is crucial for recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, influencing the availability of essential elements for plant growth and overall ecosystem productivity.

Production Efficiency

Production efficiency is the measure of how effectively consumers in an ecosystem convert the energy they ingest into biomass. It affects the energy flow and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem, as higher efficiency means more energy is retained within the consumer level, potentially impacting the rate of chemical cycling.

Trophic Efficiency

Trophic efficiency describes the percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem. It is a key factor in determining the energy flow and nutrient cycling, as lower efficiency results in less energy being passed up the food chain, affecting the overall dynamics and chemical cycling rates.

Watch next

Master Introduction to Ecosystems with a bite sized video explanation from Jason

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of the following is the longest-lived reservoir for carbon?

a. Atmospheric CO₂

b. Marine plankton (primary producers and consumers)

c. Fossil fuels

d. Wood

638

views

Textbook Question

Nitrifying bacteria participate in the nitrogen cycle mainly by

a. Converting nitrogen gas to ammonia

b. Releasing ammonium from organic compounds, thus returning it to the soil

c. Converting ammonium to nitrate, which plants absorb

d. Incorporating nitrogen into amino acids and organic compounds

1738

views

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.

783

views

Textbook Question

Devegetation has what effect on ecosystem dynamics?

a. It increases belowground biomass.

b. It increases nutrient export.

c. It increases NPP.

d. It increases soil organic matter.

984

views

Textbook Question

If the GPP of a grassland is 5000 kcal/m²/year and 55 percent is used up by cellular respiration, what is the NPP?

a. 2250 kcal/m²/year

b. 2750 kcal/m²/year

c. 5000 kcal/m²/year

d. Need more data

1438

views

Textbook Question

Which of the following was a result of the Hubbard Brook watershed deforestation experiment?

a. Most minerals were not recycled within the intact forest ecosystem

b. Calcium levels remained high in the soil of deforested areas

c. Deforestation decreased water runoff

d. The nitrate concentration in waters draining the deforested area became dangerously high

1268

views

Textbook Question

Explain why decomposition rates in a field in Nebraska would differ from the decomposition rates in a field in the Amazon. How do decomposers regulate nutrient availability in ecosystems?

717

views

Textbook Question

The Hubbard Brook watershed deforestation experiment yielded all of the following results except which of the following?

a. Most minerals were recycled within a forest ecosystem.

b. Calcium levels remained high in the soil of deforested areas.

c. Deforestation increased water runoff.

d. The nitrate concentration in waters draining the deforested area became dangerously high.

1176

views

Show more practices