The figure below shows the distribution of energy and biomass across primary pro

Question

The figure below shows the distribution of energy and biomass across primary producers, herbivores and carnivores in three ecosystems. Based on the information provided, answer the following questions:

a. which ecosystem has greater ecological efficiency, forests or grasslands? (is this the grasslands?)

b. what differences in biological traits between the organisms in grasslands and forests account for your answer for part a? (since most the biomass in the forest is trapped in the trees of the forest and can't get to the herbivores)

c. which ecosystem(s) show evidence of top-down control of primary producer biomass?

Biomass Energy flow (grams/m2) (calories/m2/day) (A) Forest (B) Grassland (C) Open ocean Trophic level Secondary consumers Primary consumers Primary producers LIFE 8e, Figure 55.3 LIFE THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY Eighth Edition o 2007 Sinauer Associates, Inc. and W. H Freeman & Co.

Explanation / Answer

Ans a) Grassland ecosystem.

Ans b) Forests have lower production efficiency, higher metabolic demands, store more biomass as compared to grassland ecosystem. Thus, grassland ecosystems have higher ecological efficiency.

Ans C) Open ocean ecosystem shows evidence of top-down control of primary producer biomass. This is because in open ocean top level consumer control number and biomass of lower level consumer on which they feed, which ultimately control biomass of producers. For example, large fishes control number of small fishes, which control number of zooplanktons, which ultimately control biomass of phytoplankton (producer).

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