Geology | Questions and Answers

Running Head: GEO 102
GEO 102
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GEO 102
Questions
Chapter 19
1. What is the relationship between the biosphere and an ecosystem? Define ecosystem and
provide an example of an ecosystem.
There is an interaction between the two in that diversity of organisms on living Earth is
supported by the biosphere that gives suitable conditions for existence.
It is a self-sustaining association of flora and fauna life and their non-living environment,
for example, earth biosphere.
2. What does biogeography include? Describe its relationship to ecology.
Involves the study of animals and plants distribution, it relates to that plants and animals
relationship and how they depend on each other
3. How do plants function to link the Sun’s energy to living organisms?
The link in the process of photosynthesis plants absorbs light energy after they make food
organisms feed on them.
4. Compare photosynthesis and respiration. How net photosynthesis determined is, and what
does it tell us? What is the importance of knowing the net primary productivity of an
ecosystem and how much biomass an ecosystem has accumulated?
Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide, while respiration uses oxygen. By product of
respiration is carbon dioxide, while for that of photosynthesis is oxygen gas.
Measured as fixed carbon per square meter per year, it determines the total dry weight
available for feeding. It tells us the amount of total dry weight accumulated per year.
Biomass has collected about 170 billion tonnes per year.
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GEO 102
5. What are biogeochemical cycles? Name and describe two of these essential cycles.
This refers to cycles that involve chemical reactions that are important for growth and
development.
Sedimentary cycle; this is a cycle that consists of recycling mineral and solid phases, and
the minerals include sulfur calcium and potassium.
Gaseous cycle; a chemical cycle that involves the cycling of gases in the atmosphere, for
example, nitrogen cycle, oxygen, and the carbon cycle.
6. What roles are played in an ecosystem by producers and consumers? Provide one
example of each.
The producers make food while the consumer feeds on food prepared by produces for life
support.
Producers include plants that make food; consumers include animals.
7. Describe the usual trophic relationships between producers, consumers, and detritivores
in an ecosystem. What is the place of humans in a trophic system?
Consumers depend on producers for food; detritivores decompose the consumers after
they die to add nutrients to the soil.
The human being is a consumer
8. Define a community within an ecosystem.
It is the interaction of both plants and animals in a given habitat.
9. What is a habitat and what is a niche
Habitat is a species locality where a given organism lives while a niche is occupational
and functions of a living organism in a given community.
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