12 Botany | Chapter 7

Chapter 7
Ecosystem

One Mark Question and Answer

1. Find out the wrong statement about Primary succession
a) Developing in an barren area
b) Initiated due to a biological or any other external factors
c) It starts where soil covers is already present
d) Pioneer species come from outside environment
2. Find out the wrong statement about Secondary succession
a) Developing in disturbed area
b) Starts due to external factors only
c) Pioneer species develop from existing environment
d) It takes more time to complete
3.......................occurs in the medium that is rich in organic substances.
a) Autotrophic Succession b) Heterotrophic Succession
c) Allogenic Succession d) Autogenic Succession
1. Find the correct pair
a) Primary Succession - Development of plant community on disturbed area
b) Secondary Succession - Development of plant community on barren area.
c) Autogenic Succession - Controlled by biotic components of ecosystem.
d) Allogenic Succession - It occurs in the medium that is rich in inorganic substances
2. Find Incorrect pair
a) Mesosere - (Succession starts in regions where moisture condition is adequate)
b) Hydrosere - (Initiating in saline water)
c) Lithosere- (Initiating on a barren rock)
d) Psammosere- (Initiating on a sand)
3. Examples of Phytoplankton stage
a) Typha, Phragmites, Sagittaria and Scirpus
b) Nelumbo, Nymphaea and Trapa
c) Chara, Utricularia, Vallisneria and Hydrilla
d) blue green algae, green algae, diatoms, bacteria,
4. Examples of Submerged free floating stage
a) Typha, Phragmites, Sagittaria and Scirpus
b) Nelumbo, Nymphaea and Trapa
c) Chara, Utricularia, Vallisneria and Hydrilla
d) blue green algae, green algae, diatoms, bacteria,
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5. Example of Forest stage
a) Cinnamomum b) Salix c) Cornus d) Populus
6. …………..and his colleagues estimated the value of global ecosystem services based on various
parameters
a) Lindeman b) V. V. Dokuchaev c) G.F. Morozov d)Robert
Constanza
7. Find the wrong Pair
a) Provisoning services - Food, fiberand fuel b) Provisoning services - Ecotourism
c) Provisoning services - Genetic resources d) Provisoning services - Bio-chemicals
8. Find the wrong Statement about human activities disturb ecosystem
a) Habitat destruction b) Deforestation and over grazing
c) Spiritual and religious values d) Erosion of soils
9. Find the wrong Staement about protect the ecosystem
a) Buy and use only ecofriendly products and recycle them.
b) Over harvesting of plant material
c) Grow more trees
d) Reduce the use of natural resources.
10. By 2025, at least 3.5 billion people, nearly..........of the world’s population are projected to face
water scarcity.
a) 20% b) 30% c) 40% d) 50%
11. Presently Adayar Poonga has 6 species of mangroves, about.............of littoral and tropical dry
evergreen forests (TDF) which have successfully established as a sustainable ecosystem
a) 358 b) 170 c) 58 d) 50
15 is decomposed rapidly than the cellulose
a) protein b) Lignin c) Chitin d) Hair
16. Find the correct steps of degradation process
a) A, Fragmentation, B, Catabolism, C, Leaching, D, Mineralisation, E, Humification
b) A, Fragmentation, B, Catabolism, C, Leaching, D, Humification, E, Mineralisation
c) A, Fragmentation, B, Leaching, C, Catabolism, D, Humification, E, Mineralisation
d) A,Catabolism, B, Fragmentation, C, Leaching, D, Humification, E, Mineralisation
17. The movement of decomposed, water soluble organic and inorganic compounds from the
surface to the lower layer of soil or the carrying away of the same by water is called ……………….
a) Fragmentation b) Catabolism c) Eluviation d) Mineralisation
18. Some microbes are involved in the release of inorganic nutrients from the humusof the soil,
such process is called …………..
a) Fragmentation b) Catabolism c) Eluviation d) Mineralisation
19. Example of Gaseous cycle
a) Carbon b) Phosphorus c) Sulphur d) Calcium
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20. Example of Artifcial Ecosystem
a) Forest ecosystem b) Grass land ecosystem c) Desert ecosystem d) Rice field
21. Find the incorrect pair
a) Natural Ecosystem - Terrrestrial Ecosystem b) Aquatic Ecosystem - Marine ecosystem
c) Fresh water ecosystem - Lotic d) Marine ecosystem - Lentic
22. Find the Incorrect pair about pond ecosystem
a) Producers - Anabaena b) Primary consumer - Paramoecium
c) Secondary consumer - frog d) Decomposers - Volvox
23. Example of Producer in pond ecosystem
a) Azolla b) Duck c) man d) Bacteria
24. Example of Decomposer in pond ecosystem
a) Salvia b) Pistia c) Fungi d) Wolffia
25. The term ‘ecosystem’ was proposed by
a) Odum b) A.G.Tansley c) V. V. Dokuchaev d) G.F. Morozov
26. Find the Wrong pair
a) Biocoenosis – Karl Mobius b) Microcosm – S.A. Forbes
c) Holocoen - Vernadsky d) Biosystem – Thienemann
27. Autotrophs are organisms which can manufacture the organic compounds from simple inorganic
a) components through a process called …………………...
Respiration b) Photosynthesis c) Decomposition d) Biodegradation
28. Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) which is between the range of
a) 400-700 nm b) 500-800 nm c) 600-700 nm d) 400- 600 nm
29. PAR values range.....................during midday in the summer
a) 0- 3000 millimoles /square meter/second
b) 2000 – 3000 millimoles /square meter/second
c) 1000 - 4000 millimoles /square meter/second
d) 2000 - 4000 millimoles /square meter/second
30. Example of Grey carbon
a) coal b) oil c) (i) & (ii) Correct d) None of the
above
31. Find the Correct Pair
a) Green carbon – carbon stored in the biosphere
b) Blue carbon – carbon emitted from gas, diesel engine and coal fired power plants
c) Brown carbon – carbon stored in the atmosphere and oceans
d) Black carbon – carbon stored in industrialized forests
32. NPP of whole biosphere is estimated to be about................tons (dry weight) per year.
a) 150 billion b) 160 billion c) 170 billion d) 180 billion
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33. Ten percent law was proposed by
a) Charles Elton b) Lindeman c) V. V. Dokuchaev d) G.F. Morozov
34. The concept of ecological pyramids was introduced by
a) Charles Elton b) Lindeman c) V. V. Dokuchaev d) G.F. Morozov
35. The pyramid of number in a parasite ecosystem is always
a) Upright b) Spindle shaped c) Inverted d) None of them
36. The pyramid of energy is always
a) Upright b) Spindle shaped c) Inverted d) None of them
37.What is an ecosystem?
a). A community of living organisms interacting with their environment b). A
type of climate
c). A single species of plant d). A geological formation
38. Which of the following is a biotic component of an ecosystem?
a). Water b). Soil c). Plants d). Air
39. What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
a). Wind b).Sunlight c). Water d).Soil nutrients
40. Which process do plants use to convert sunlight into energy?
a). Respiration b). Photosynthesis c). Fermentation d). Decomposition
41.What term describes the role of a species within its ecosystem?
a). Habitat b). Niche c). Community d). Population
42.Which of the following is an example of a decomposer?
a). Grass b). Rabbit c). Mushroom d). Hawk
43. What is biodiversity?
a). The variety of life in a particular habitat b). The number of species in one ecosystem
c). The genetic variation within a species d). All of the above
44. Which of the following ecosystems is characterized by high rainfall and diverse species?
a). Desert b). Tundra c). Rainforest d). Grassland
45.What is a food chain?
a). A series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food
b).A list of all organisms in an ecosystem c). A type of habitat d). A method of energy
transfer
46.Which of the following is a characteristic of a desert ecosystem?
a). High humidity b). Abundant vegetation c). Low precipitation d).Constant
temperatures
50.What is an ecological pyramid?
a). A graphical representation of energy flow in an ecosystem
b). A type of food chain c). A measure of biodiversity d). A geological structure
51.Which of the following is a primary consumer?
a). Lion b). Deer c). Grass d). Eagle
52. What is the term for the maximum population size that an environment can sustain?
a).Carrying capacity b).Ecosystem balance c).Population density d).Habitat
limit
53.Which of the following is a characteristic of a tundra ecosystem?
a). Warm temperatures year-round b). Permafrost c). High biodiversity d). Dense
forests
54. Which of the following processes is crucial for nutrient cycling in an ecosystem?
a). Photosynthesis b). Decomposition c). Respiration d). Evaporation
55. What is the primary purpose of a wetland ecosystem?
a). To provide habitat for aquatic species b). To filter pollutants from water c). To store
floodwaters
d). All of the above
56. Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
a). Solar energy b). Wind energy c).Coal d). Biomass
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57. What is an invasive species?

a). A native species that is endangered

b).A species that is introduced to a new habitat and disrupts the ecosystem
c).A species that is extinct d). A species that is beneficial to the ecosystem
58. Which of the following is a consequence of deforestation?
a). Increased biodiversity b).Habitat loss c). Improved air quality d).Enhanced soil
fertility
59. What is the main threat to coral reef ecosystems?
a). Overfishing b). Pollution c). Climate change d). All of the above
60. Which biome is characterized by seasonal rainfall and distinct wet and dry seasons?
a). Tundra b). Desert c). Savanna d).Temperate forest
61. What is the term for the gradual change in species composition in an ecosystem over
time?
a). Evolution b). Succession c). Adaptation d). Migration
62. Which of the following organisms is a keystone species?
a).A common plant b). A predator that controls the population of other species
c). A decomposer d). An invasive species
63. What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?
a). To consume other organisms b). To decompose organic matter
c).To convert solar energy into chemical energy d). To provide shelter
64. Which of the following is an example of a mutualistic relationship?
a). A lion hunting a zebra b). Bees pollinating flowers c). A bird eating ticks off a cow
d). A parasite living on a host
65.What is the primary cause of climate change?
a). Natural cycles b). Human activities, especially fossil fuel burning
c). Solar radiation d). Volcanic eruptions
66. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
a). Carbon dioxide b). Methane c). Oxygen d). Nitrous oxide
67.What is the term for the variety of ecosystems in a given area?
a). Species diversity b). Genetic diversity c). Ecosystem diversity d). Community
diversity
68. Which of the following best describes a climax community?
a).The initial stage of ecological succession
b). A stable and mature ecological community
c). An ecosystem undergoing rapid change
d). A community with low biodiversity
69.What is the primary function of wetlands in an ecosystem?
a).To provide recreational activities
b).To act as a buffer against floods
c). To support terrestrial wildlife
d). To serve as a source of fresh water
Two Mark Question and Answer
1, Define Ecosystem
The term ‘ecosystem’ was proposed by A.G. Tansley (1935), who defined it as the system resulting
from the integration of all the living and nonliving factors of the environment’. Whereas, Odum
(1962) defined ecosystem ‘as the structural and functional unit of ecology’.
2, Define Biomass
Biomass can be measured as fresh weight or dry weight or carbon weight of organisms.
3, Differentiate Producer and Consumer
Producer Consumers
The green plants (producers) occupying the first trophic The energy produced by the producers is utilized by
level (T1) are called producers. herbivores are called consumers
4, What is called food chain?
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The movement of energy from producers upto top carnivores is known as food chain, i.e., in any food
chain, energy flows from producers to primary consumers, then from primary consumers to
secondary consumers, and finally secondary consumers to tertiary consumers.
5, What is called food web?
The inter-locking pattern of a number of food chain form a web like arrangement called food web.
6, State the Ten percent law
This law was proposed by Lindeman (1942). It states that during transfer of food energy from one
trophic level to other, only about 10% stored at every level and rest of them (90%) is lost in
respiration, decomposition and in the form of heat. Hence, the law is called ten percent law.
7, What are ecological pyramids?
Graphic representation of the trophic structure and function at successive trophic levels of an
ecosystem is called ecological pyramids.
8, What is meant by Energy Flow?
The transfer of energy in an ecosystem between trophic levels can be termed as energy flow. It is the
key function in an ecosystem.
9, What is decomposition?
Decomposition is a process in which the detritus (dead plants, animals and their excreta) are broken
down in to simple organic matter by the decomposers. It is an essential process for recycling and
balancing the nutrient pool in an ecosystem.
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10, What is fragmentation?
The breaking down of detritus into smaller particles by detritivores like bacteria, fungi and earth
worm is known as fragmentation.
11, What is catabolism?
The decomposers produce some extracellular enzymes in their surroundings to break down
complex organic and inorganic compounds in to simpler ones. This is called catabolism.
12, Explain leaching
Leaching or Eluviation - The movement of decomposed, water soluble organic and inorganic
compounds from the surface to the lower layer of soil or the carrying away of the same by water is
called leaching or eluviation
13, Explain humification
It is a process by which simplified detritus is changed into dark coloured amorphous substance
called humus. It is highly resistant to microbial action therefore decomposition is very slow. It is
the reservoir of nutrients.
14, Explain the term mineralization
Some microbes are involved in the release of inorganic nutrients from the humus of the soil, such
process is called mineralization.
15, Differentiate lotic and lentic ecosystem
Lotic ecosystem Lotic ecosystem
Lotic (Running water bodies) Example: River Lentic (Standing water bodies) Example: Pond
Spring and Stream and Lake
16, Write a short note on Profundal zone
The limnetic zone refers the open water of the pond with an effective penetration of light and domination
of planktons. The deeper region of a pond below the limnetic zone is called profundal zone with no
effective light penetration and predominance of heterotrophs.
17, What is called benthic?
The bottom zone of a pond is termed benthic and is occupied by a community of organisms called benthos
(usually decomposers).
18, What is called plant succession?
Successive replacement of one type of plant community by the other of the same area/ place is
known as plant succession.
19, What are Hydrosere?
The succession in a freshwater ecosystem is also referred to as hydrosere. (Succession starts in
regions where water is plenty) Example: Ponds, lakes, stream, swamp
20, What are Mesosere?
Succession starts in regions where moisture condition is adequate.
21, What are Xerosere?
Succession starts in regions where moisture is present in minimal amount with water
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22, What is meant Pyramid of number?
A graphical representation of the number of organisms present at each successive trophic level in
an ecosystem is called pyramid of number.

23, What is meant by Pyramids of Biomass?

A graphical representation of the amount of organic material (biomass) present at each successive
trophic level in an ecosystem is called pyramid of biomass.
24, What are the Factors affecting decomposition?
Decomposition is affected by climatic factors like temperature, soil moisture, soil, pH, oxygen and
also the chemical quality of detritus.
25, List out the types of pyramids
There are three types:
(1) pyramid of number
(2) pyramid of biomass
(3) pyramid of energy.
26, What is meant by primary productivity?
The chemical energy or organic matter generated by autotrophs during the process of
photosynthesis and chemosynthesis is called primary productivity.
27, What are the functions of ecosystem?
The function of ecosystem includes creation of energy, sharing of energy and cycling of materials
between the living and nonliving components of an ecosystem.
28, What is called flagship species?
Some species indicate the health of the ecosystem: such species are called a flagship species.
29, What is called seral communities?
A series of transitional developments of plant communities one after another in a given area are
called seral communities.
30, What is meant by autogenic succession?
It is Controlled by biotic components of ecosystem.
Three Mark Question and Answer
1, Differentiate biotic and Abiotic components
Biotic components Abiotic components
It includes all living organisms like It includes climatic factors (air, water,
plants, animals, fungi and bacteria. They form sunlight, rainfall, temperature and humidity),
the trophic structures of any ecosystem. On edaphic factors (soil air, soil water and pH of
the basis of nutritional relationships, trophic soil), topography (latitude, altitude), organic
levels of an ecosystem have two components. components (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids
(1) autotrophic components and (2) and humic substances) and inorganic
heterotrophic substances (C, H, O, N and P ).
components.
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2, Differentiate Standing quality and Standing crop
Standing quality Standing crop
Abiotic components play vital The amount of living materials present in a population
role in any ecosystem and hence the at any given time is known as standing crop, which may be
total inorganic substances present in expressed in terms of number or biomass per unit area.
any ecosystem at a given time is
called
standing quality (or) standing state.
3, Differentiate GPP and NPP
Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
The total amount of food The proportion of energy which remains after
energy or organic matter or biomass respiration loss in the plant is called net primary
produced in an ecosystem by productivity. It is also called as apparent photosynthesis.
autotrophs through the process of Thus the difference between GPP and respiration is known
photosynthesis is called gross primary as NPP.
productivity
4, Explain the second law of thermodynamics
It states that energy transformation results in the reduction of the free energy of the system.
Usually energy transformation cannot be 100% efficient. As energy is transferred from one
organism to another in the form of food, a portion of it is stored as energy in living tissue, whereas
a large part of energy is dissipated as heat through respiration. The transfer of energy is
irreversible natural process. Example: Ten percent law
5, what are the significance of food web?
Food web is constructed to describe species interaction called direct interaction.
• It can be used to illustrate indirect interactions among different species.
• It can be used to study bottom-up or top down control of community structure.
• It can be used to reveal different patterns of energy transfer in terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems.
6, Explain the inverted pyramid with examples
The pyramid of number in a parasite ecosystem is always inverted, because it starts with a
single tree,therefore there is gradual increase in the number of organisms in successive tropic
levels from producer to tertiary consumers.
7, Explain spindle shaped pyramid with examples
In a forest ecosystem the pyramid of number is somewhat different in shape, it is because the base
(T1) of the pyramid occupies large sized trees (Producer) which are lesser in number. Herbivores
(T2) (Fruit eating birds, elephant, deer) occupying second trophic level, are more in number than
the producers. In final trophic level (T4), tertiary consumers (lion) are lesser in number than the
secondary consumer (T3) (fox and snake). Therefore, the pyramid of number in forest ecosystem
looks spindle shaped.
8, What is called biogeochemical cycle and explain the type?
Exchange of nutrients between organisms and their environment is one of the essential aspects of
an ecosystem. All organisms require nutrients for their growth, development, maintenance and
reproduction. Circulation of nutrients within the ecosystem or biosphere is known as
biogeochemical cycles and also called as ‘cycling of materials.’ There are two basic types,
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1. Gaseous cycle – It includes atmospheric Oxygen, Carbon and Nitrogen cycles.
2. Sedimentary cycle – It includes the cycles of Phosphorus, Sulphur and Calcium - Which
are present as sediments of earth.
9, Explain allogenic succession
Allogeneic succession occurs as a result of abiotic factors. The replacement of existing community
is caused by other external factors (soil erosion, leaching, etc.,) and not by existing organisms.
10, Pyramid of energy is always upright. Why?
A graphical representation of energy flow at each successive trophic level in an ecosystem is
called pyramid of energy. The bottom of the pyramid of energy is occupied by the producers.
There is a gradual decrease in energy transfer at successive tropic levels from producers to the
upper levels. Therefore, the pyramid of energy is always upright.
11, What are the factors affecting primary productivity?
Primary productivity depends upon the plant species of an area, their photosynthetic capacity,
availability of nutrients, solar radiation, precipitation, soil type, topographic factors (altitude,
latitude, direction), and other environmental factors. It varies in different types of ecosystems.
Five Mark Question and Answer
1, Draw a pyramid from following details and explain in brief. Quantities of organisms are given-
Hawks-50, plants-1000.rabbit and mouse-250 +250, pythons and lizard- 100 + 50 respectively.
A graphical representation of the amount of organic material (biomass) present at each
successive trophic level in an ecosystem is called pyramid of biomass. In grassland and forest
ecosystems, there is a gradual decrease in biomass of organisms at successive trophic levels from
producers to top carnivores (Tertiary consumer). Therefore, these two ecosystems show pyramids
as upright pyramids of biomass.
2, Shape of pyramid in a particular ecosystem is always different in shape. Explain with example.
In a forest ecosystem the pyramid of number is somewhat different in shape, it is because the base (T1) of
the pyramid occupies large sized trees (Producer) which are lesser in number. Herbivores (T2) (Fruit eating
birds, elephant, deer) occupying second trophic level, are more in number than the producers. In final
trophic level (T4), tertiary consumers (lion) are lesser in number than the secondary consumer (T3) (fox and
snake). Therefore, the pyramid of number in forest ecosystem looks spindle shaped.
3, What is the Significance of the Succession?
 Succession is a dynamic process. Hence an ecologist can access and study the seral stages of a plant
community found in a particular area.
• The knowledge of ecological succession helps to understand the controlled growth of one or more
species in a forest.
• Utilizing the knowledge of succession, even dams can be protected by preventing siltation.
• It gives information about the techniques to be used during reforestation and afforestation.
• It helps in the maintenance of pastures.
• Plant succession helps to maintain species diversity in an ecosystem.
• Patterns of diversity during succession are influenced by resource availability and disturbance by various
factors.
• Primary succession involves the colonization of habitat of an area devoid of life.
• Secondary succession involves the reestablishment of a plant community in disturbed area or habitat.
• Forests and vegetation that we come across all over the world are the result of plant succession.
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4, Generally human activities are against to the ecosystem, where as you a student how will you
help to protect ecosystem?
 Habitat destruction
• Deforestation and over grazing
• Erosion of soils
• Introduction of non-native species
• Over harvesting of plant material
• Pollution of land, water and air
• Run off pesticides, fertilizers and animal wastes.
5, Differentiate Primary succession and Secondary succession
S.no Primary succession Secondary succession
1 Developing in an barren area Developing in disturbed area.
2 Initiated due to a biological or any other Starts due to external factors only
external factors
3 No soil, while primary succession starts It starts where soil covers is already present.
4 Pioneer species come from outside Pioneer species develop from existing
environment environment
5 It takes more time to complete It takes comparatively less time to complete
6, How to protect the Ecosystem?
 Buy and use only ecofriendly products and recycle them.
 Grow more trees
 Choose sustained farm products (vegetables, fruits, greens, etc.)
 Reduce the use of natural resources.
• Recycle the waste and reduce the amount of waste you produce.
• Reduce consumption of water and electricity.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of house-hold chemicals and pesticides.
 Maintain your cars and vehicles properly. (In order to reduce carbon emission)
• Create awareness and educate about ecosystem protection among your friends and family
members.

Important Diagrams
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