List the 4 most productive ecosystem types on earth. (Module 2 Section 5.1 - Fig
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List the 4 most productive ecosystem types on earth. (Module 2 Section 5.1 - Figure at top right) Explain the difference between gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP). What are the units of measurement of NPP? (There is more than one correct answer) Briefly describe how ecologists model ecosystems and explain what the purpose of ecological modeling is. The Paris Climate Accord When was it established? How many countries signed on to participate? What was the United States pledge? Why did Nicaragua choose not to participate in the Climate Accord to begin with? On Thursday, June 1^st, 2017 President Trump ______ (did or did not) withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord.Explanation / Answer
18. Productivity of an ecosystem is assessed by its Net Primary Productivity (NPP). Based on NPP, the 4 most productive ecosystems are:
i) Estuaries
ii) Swamps and marshes
iii) Tropical rainforest
iv) Temperate forest
For i), ii), and iii) the NPP values are approximately 9200 kcal/m2/yr
for iv) NPP is about 6000kcal/m2/yr.
Difference between GPP and NPP:
GPP represents the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. Alternatively, it is entire amount of energy that is fixed by plants. Whereas NPP is the biomass/energy available for consumption to heterotrophs.
A part of GPP is utilised by plants for respiration (R: Respiration losses). So essentially only the amount equivalent to (GPP - R) is available for consumption. This represents NPP. thus we can write:
NPP = GPP - R.
NPP can be expressed in terms of biomass or energy produced per unit area of ecosystem per unit time (here unit time is taken to be one year).
If NPP is expressed in terms of energy, its units are: kcal m-2 yr-1
If NPP is expressed in terms of biomass, its units are: gC m-2yr-1 (gC = grams of carbon
19. How ecosystems are modelled:
There are broadly three ways in which an ecosystem can be modelled, namely:
i) Conceptual - this model makes use of flow charts to demonstrate the relationships between different organisms in a community and their environment, including the transfer of energy and nutrients.
ii) Simulation: these model make use of numerical techniques to solve complex problems which mathematically represent real life phenomena. This modelling is usually done with the help of a computer.
iii) Analytical: Relatively simple mathematical models to predict and describe behavior of components of ecosystem.
Data for all kinds of modelling is obtained by observation, field work, field surveys, etc. Data are collected at regular intervals. It is then subjected to analysis and then mathematical models are formulated.
Purpose of ecological modeling:
Models can predict the change in the behaviour of an ecosystem in response to changes in the factors affecting it. They can be used to test theories. Moreover, models can help to describe how a particular factors affects the functioning of an ecosystem.
Bonus:
Paris Climate Accord was established on 12 Dec, 2015. Currently, 195 UNFCCC members have signed it.
Nicaragua chose not to sign the deal because it argued that the Paris Climate Accord is not binding on any country. It doesn't hold countries responsible for creating pollution; no punishments will be awarded to those countries whch fail to live up to the objectives of the deal. Nicaragua also said that its contribution to global CO2 emissions is negligible. Larger countries which contribute more to emissions must be held responsible.
As of June 1, 2017, Trump did withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.
US has pledged to reduce emissions by 28%.
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