G2:  Ecosystems and biomes     

Obj.

Assessment Statement

Notes

G.2.1

(1)

Define gross production, net production and biomass.

Gross production- the total amount of organic matter produced by plants in an ecosystem

Net production- the amount of gross productions of an ecosystem remaining after subtracting

Biomass- the total weight (or volume, or energy equivalent) of living organisms in a given area (e.g. a quadrat)

G.2.2

(2)

Calculate values for gross production and net production using the equation:  gross production – respiration = net production

GP – R = NP

Terry

G.2.3

(3)

Discuss the difficulties of classifying organisms into trophic levels.

Kyle

G.2.4

(3)

Explain the small biomass and low numbers of organisms in higher trophic levels

Keun Ho

G.2.5

(3)

Construct a pyramid of energy, given appropriate information

The units are kJ m^-2 yr^-1

Peter

G.2.6

(2)

Distinguish between primary and secondary succession, using an example of each.

Primary succession is when the succession sequence starts on entirely new land without established soil.

ex) New land is formed on the Earth's surface at river deltas, at sand dune, and from cooled voclcanic lava. First significant development in a primary succession is the formation of soil.

Secondary succession is when a succession starts from existing soil.

ex) Fire destroys a large area of vegetation, which occasionally occurs as a result of human activities. In these situations, soil is already formed and present.  

G.2.7

(2)

Outline the changes in species diversity and production during primary succession.

G.2.8

(3)

Explain the effects of living organisms on the abiotic environment, with reference to the changes occurring during primary succession.

n.

Include soil development, accumulation of minerals and reduced erosion.

Sandra

G.2.9

(2)

Distinguish between biome and biosphere.

Only a part of planet Earth, its land, oceans , and atmoshpere is inhabited. This restricted zone which living things inhabit is called the biosphere.  

Biome is a major life zone characterised by the dominant plant life present. It presents distribution patterns of living thing within the biosphere. Important patterns are the large, stable vegetation zones on the Earth.

G.1.10

(2)

Explain how rainfall and temperature affect the distribution of biomes.

A climograph showing the biomes in G.2.11 can be used to illustrate the interaction between these two factors.

G.2.11

(2)

Outline the characteristics of six major biomes

Examples of major biomes could include:

• ·       desert
• ·       grassland
• ·       shrubland (chaparral, matorral, maquis and garigue, dry heathlands, fynbos)
• ·       temperate deciduous forest
• ·       tropical rainforest
• ·       tundra

The description should be limited to temperature, moisture and charateristics of vegetation.