Q: Based on the diagram of energy flow in ecosystems, what is the correct formula for Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

$$\text{NPP} = \text{GPP} - R$$

Q: If a terrestrial ecosystem receives 1,254,000 kcal/m²/year of solar energy, and only 0.8% is converted to Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), how much energy is available as GPP?

$$10,400 \text{ kcal/m}^2/\text{year}$$

Q: Which equation best represents the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration in the carbon cycle?

$$\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{photosynthesis}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{O}_2$$

Question 1

Based on the diagram of energy flow in ecosystems, what is the correct formula for Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{NPP} = 	ext{GPP} - R$$

Question 2

If a terrestrial ecosystem receives 1,254,000 kcal/m²/year of solar energy, and only 0.8% is converted to Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), how much energy is available as GPP?

Accepted Answer

$$10,400 	ext{ kcal/m}^2/	ext{year}$$

Question 3

According to the pyramid of productivity, what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

Accepted Answer

$$10\%$$

Question 4

Which process is responsible for the magnification of toxins such as PCBs in top predators, as shown in the biomagnification diagram?

Accepted Answer

Biological magnification

Question 5

Which region of the world has the highest net primary productivity (NPP) according to the global map?

Accepted Answer

Wet tropics

Question 6

In the terrestrial nutrient cycle, which process returns nutrients to the soil after the death of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Question 7

Which process in the global water cycle is responsible for moving water from the land surface into underground aquifers?

Accepted Answer

Percolation

Question 8

In the global nitrogen cycle, what is the primary biological process that converts atmospheric nitrogen ($$N_2) $$into a form usable by plants?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 9

Which human activity is a major contributor to the disruption of the global carbon cycle, as shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuel combustion

Question 10

According to the urban ecology diagram, which factor is most directly linked to increased biodiversity in urban environments?

Accepted Answer

Resource distribution

Question 11

Based on the luxury effect in urban ecology, which neighborhood is likely to have the greatest tree canopy and animal richness?

Accepted Answer

Wealthy neighborhood

Question 12

Which ecological consequence is most likely to result from increased habitat fragmentation in urban environments?

Accepted Answer

Reduced gene flow

Question 13

If a city experiences a 9–18ºF higher temperature at night compared to surrounding areas, which phenomenon is being described?

Accepted Answer

Urban heat island

Question 14

Which agricultural practice is most effective at reducing the spread of disease and pest resistance in crops?

Accepted Answer

Crop rotation

Question 15

What is the primary cause of hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems near agricultural areas?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication from nutrient runoff

Question 16

Which equation best represents the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration in the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{CO}_2 + 	ext{H}_2	ext{O} \xrightarrow{	ext{photosynthesis}} 	ext{C}_6	ext{H}_{12}	ext{O}_6 + 	ext{O}_2$$

Question 17

Which feedback loop accelerates global warming by reducing the amount of sunlight reflected by Earth's surface?

Accepted Answer

Positive feedback loop

Question 18

If atmospheric CO2 concentration has increased from 300 ppm to over 400 ppm in the last century, which graph best illustrates this trend?

Accepted Answer

A steadily rising curve with seasonal fluctuations

Question 19

Which factor is most responsible for the rapid increase in global average temperatures since the industrial revolution?

Accepted Answer

Increased greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels

Question 20

What is the ecological impact of tipping points in global environments, such as the Amazon rainforest?

Accepted Answer

Sudden and irreversible shifts in ecosystem function

Global Ecology, Urban Ecology, Agriculture, and Climate Change: Study Notes

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