5.2.1 Forest Ecosystems

• What are the key components of a forest ecosystem?

  Living organisms and physical environment
• Match the forest layer with its characteristics:

  Canopy ↔️ Highest layer; receives most sunlight

  Understory ↔️ Beneath canopy; shaded, moist

  Forest Floor ↔️ Dark, moist; decaying matter
• What determines the species composition of a forest ecosystem?

  Adaptation to specific niches
• The interaction and interdependence between the abiotic and biotic components is crucial for the sustainability of a forest ecosystem
• Horizontal distribution of species in a forest ecosystem depends on biotic factors.

  False
• Which abiotic factors influence the horizontal distribution of species in a forest ecosystem?

  Soil, water, sunlight
• How does vertical stratification contribute to the biodiversity of forest ecosystems?

  Provides varied niches
• Order the steps in the producer-consumer-decomposer energy flow model:

  1️⃣ Producers use sunlight to create energy

  2️⃣ Consumers feed on producers or other consumers

  3️⃣ Decomposers break down dead organic matter

  4️⃣ Nutrients are released into the soil
• Decomposers release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during nutrient cycling.


  True
• Consumers in forest ecosystems obtain energy by feeding on producers and other consumers.


  True
• What are the three layers involved in vertical stratification of forest ecosystems?

  Canopy, understory, forest floor
• The biodiversity in forest ecosystems is crucial for their proper functioning.
• Arrange the components of the producer-consumer-decomposer model in the correct order:

  1️⃣ Producers

  2️⃣ Consumers

  3️⃣ Decomposers
• The cyclic flow of nutrients in forest ecosystems ensures long-term sustainability.


  True
• Decomposers release nutrients back into the soil.
• What are the abiotic elements of a forest ecosystem?

  Soil, water, air, sunlight
• What role do decomposers play in a forest ecosystem?

  Release nutrients into soil
• Abiotic elements provide the necessary resources for biotic components to thrive.


  True
• Match the interaction with its description:

  Symbiotic ↔️ Mutually beneficial relationships

  Competitive ↔️ Species competing for limited resources
• Match the abiotic factor with its impact on forest ecosystems:

  Climate ↔️ Determines the type of forest and species that can thrive

  Soil ↔️ Affects the growth and composition of plant communities
• Sustainable forest management aims to maintain forest structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.


  True
• Decomposers release nutrients back into the soil for producers to use.


  True
• Order the processes that structure forest ecosystems horizontally:

  1️⃣ Species distribution due to abiotic factors

  2️⃣ Variation in soil, water, sunlight

  3️⃣ Adaptation to specific ecological niches
• The vertical stratification of a forest ecosystem reflects the adaptation of species to varying light, moisture, and resource conditions
• Forest ecosystems contain a diverse array of plants, animals, and microorganisms adapted to specific ecological niches.

  True
• The biodiversity in forest ecosystems ensures efficient nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ecosystem services.


  True
• What type of cycle describes nutrient movement in forest ecosystems?

  Closed loop
• Producers in forest ecosystems use sunlight, water, and nutrients to produce organic compounds through photosynthesis
• Nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems is a closed loop.
• The abiotic elements in a forest ecosystem include soil, water, air, sunlight, and nutrients.
• What are three factors contributing to the high biodiversity in forest ecosystems?

  Vertical stratification, horizontal heterogeneity, ecological interactions
• Symbiotic and competitive interactions in forest ecosystems contribute to high biodiversity.


  True
• Soil serves as a nutrient source, which is then absorbed by plant roots.
• What is the primary source of energy for producers in forest ecosystems?

  Sunlight
• Producers in a forest ecosystem use photosynthesis to produce organic compounds.


  True
• What types of interactions occur between species in forest ecosystems?

  Symbiotic and competitive
• What do consumers in a forest ecosystem feed on?

  Producers and other consumers
• Climate is a key abiotic factor affecting forest ecosystems.


  True
• What do microenvironments within a forest ecosystem allow?

  Diverse species coexistence
• What are three benefits of sustainable forest management?

  Biodiversity, climate mitigation, local economies