AnnouncementsTransformations of Energy and MatterTrophic CascadeHow and Why NPP Varies Across the Globe23_BIO130_0306143/06/2014Bio 130 TR 12:40-1:55p AnnouncementsFunctional and fundamental mean the same thing in reference to ecological niches.For 5 points – choose 3 of five big ideas and discuss an example referenced in class. 2-3 sentence each. Due on Thursday 3/13. Posted in class slides.Transformations of Energy and MatterHow are organisms affected bytheir environment? Abiotic andbiotic factors are connected bythe flow of energy and nutrients.NPP (Net Primary Production) =biomass available forconsumption. Aquatic Primary Producers aremostly microscopicphytoplankton. A tropic level is agroup of organisms that obtainenergy from the same source.There is more energy at the baseof the food chain,than the top.Energy is lost with each of the steps of the productivity pyramidbecause:Plants metabolize the energy (cellular respiration)Plants are not fully consumedAnimals discard of unused food as waste90% of the biomass produced by plants is not eaten in terrestrial ecosystems. Decomposers obtain nutrients from dead, unused, waste material. A sedentary mammal will have a more efficient metabolism than an active mammal. Small mammals are less efficientthan large mammals at using energy. Trophic CascadeWhen a predator affects the plant level, it is called a trophic cascade.Productivity pyramidOn the exam, we will be asked to evaluate a food web and predict the affects that certain changes wouldhave on populations. The elimination of the wolves from the Yellowstone National Park is an example of apex (top) predators from an ecosystem. It has drastic effects. The decrease of lions in Africa increased the baboon population and the baboons are stealing crops and spreading disease. Off the coast of California, sea otters eat urchins, which eat kelp. Without otters, the urchins eat all the kelp. The ecosystem is ruined by a trophic cascade. How and Why NPP Varies Across the GlobeThe aquatic NPP is highest along the coastline. The tides (upwelling) force more nutrients up along the coast. Also, major rivers dump nutrients from terrestrial systems into the