Lesson 1
Environment, Ecology, and Ecosystem
Foundational concepts of environment, ecology, and ecosystems covering definitions, conditions for an ecosystem, trophic structure, standing crop, food chains, and ecosystem functions including energy flow, nutrient cycling, and productivity
2 topics
29 min
Topics
1
Environment, Ecology, and Ecosystem Fundamentals
Core definitions of environment, ecology, and ecosystem; conditions that define an ecosystem; trophic structure and levels; standing crop; and terrestrial vs aquatic food chains
Quiz 15 min
2 Functions of an Ecosystem: Energy, Nutrients, and Productivity
How ecosystems work through energy flow, nutrient cycling, and ecological productivity, including the 10% rule, biogeochemical cycles, and the relationship between GPP and NPP
Quiz 14 min