Energy & Matter

Chapter 11

Ecosystem Function

One-way flowof energy

Cycling ofmatter

Matter and Energy Flow in EcosystemsFood chains Food webs

TrophicTrophiclevelslevels

Producer to primaryconsumer

Primaryto secondaryconsumer

Secondary tohigher-levelconsumer

All producers andconsumers todecomposers

Fungi

Gambel'squail

Red-tailed hawk

Collaredlizard

Jackrabbit

Yucca

Kangaroo ratKangaroo rat

AgaveAgave

RoadrunnerRoadrunner

Diamondback rattlesnakeDiamondback rattlesnakeDarklingbeetleDarklingbeetle

BacteriaBacteria

Pricklypearcactus

Pricklypearcactus

Ecological Pyramids Pyramid of

energy flow

Ecologicalefficiency (10%)

Pyramid ofbiomass

Pyramid ofnumbers

Ecological Efficiency 48 different

studies - range of 2 to 24% trophic level transfer efficiencies

Average was 10.13%

Energy Productivity of EcosystemsPrimary productivity

Secondary productivity

Energy stored/area/timeEnergy stored/area/time

Matter Cycling in Ecosystems

-Biogeochemical or nutrient cycles

-Hydrologic cycle (H2O)

-Atmospheric or gaseous cycles (C, N)

-Sedimentary cycles (P, S)

Hydrologic (Water) Cycle

Driven by physical forcesDriven by physical forces

The Carbon Cycle

Driven by biological forces:Driven by biological forces:photosynthesis and respirationphotosynthesis and respiration

The Nitrogen Cycle

Driven by biological forces: bacteriaDriven by biological forces: bacteria

Root nodulesRoot noduleson legumeson legumes

CyanobacteriaCyanobacteria

The Phosphorus Cycle

Driven by physical forcesDriven by physical forces