Ecosystem Characteristics




BIO226 : Ecosystem : Energy : Ecosystem Characteristics

Exercise: Ecosystem Characteristics

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DUE: 16-Apr-99. Work sent after this date will receive a grade of zero.

The National Science Foundation has established several Long Term Ecological Research sites in the United States, associated with a similar international program, to study natural and disturbed ecosystems. One of these is located in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in northern New Mexico.

1. What are the biomes included in the LTER at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge?

2. Assuming the organisms listed at Sevilleta belong to a "single ecosystem," describe the structure of the ecosystem: give several examples of each of the kinds of primary producers, herbivores, and consumers present in this ecosystem.

3. What is the main energy input into this ecosystem? Where is the energy distributed that reaches the primary producers?

4. What is a reasonable estimate of the rate of energy input into this ecosystem on a clear summer day? Provide appropriate units for your estimate. What source(s) did you use to obtain your estimate?

5. Do you think that this ecosystem in steady-state with respect to energy? If it is in steady-state, how is the balance between input and output maintained? If it is not in steady-state, explain what is happening to the energy surplus or deficit.

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