Ecosystem functions are the physical, chemical, and biological processes that take place within an ecosystem. These include primary production (conversion of light energy into organic matter, 'production'), consumption (herbivory, predation), decomposition (breakdown of organic matter, leading to 'nutrient transformation'), and the overall flow of energy and cycling of materials ('influx and efflux of energy and materials'). These processes describe how an ecosystem works and maintains itself.
Which one among the following phenomena includes processes, such as production, predation, nutrient transformation, and the influx and efflux of energy and materials ?
Asked in UPSC CAPF 2011 · Topic: Ecology (Ecosystem Functions: Productivity, Energy Flow, Trophic Levels)
More Environment and Ecology questions
- NPP (Net Primary Productivity) is highest for
- In an ecosystem why is the number of trophic levels of a food chain usually limited ?
- Which of the following are detritivores? Earthworms 1. Jellyfish 2. Millipedes 3. Seahorses 4. Woodlice 5. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- Which of the following are the primary consumers in an ecosystem? Select the correct answer from the code given below: Ants Deer Fox Tiger
- The primary source of energy in an ecosystem is
- Which of the following is not true about the eco-system?
- Assertion (A): Unlike temperate forests, the tropical rain forests, if cleared, can yield productive farm-land that can support intensive agriculture for several years even without chemical fertilizers. Reason (R): The primary productivity of the tropical rain forest is very high when compared to that of the temperature forests.
- In an ecosystem, flow of energy declines as it passes from lower to higher trophic level. This is explained by the following :